Richard kept his promise, and when Ismene opened her email at work, she found all the information on the competition. She still didn't know what to do, part of her wanted to do it, just to prove herself she could, but on the other hand she was very anxious about it. She must have spent too long staring blankly at the computer screen, as Eirian chimed in.
-Hello! Is there anyone in there?
-Hmmm?
-You've been staring at the computer for five minutes without doing anything.
-And you've been watching me?
-Of course I have!- her friend confessed.- I was intrigued by what made you stare at the computer so intently.
-Ok, I'll tell you. There's this competition Richard wants me to take part in.
-Do it!- Eirian was always eager to do things that challenged her, and she was always pushing other people to do the same.
-I don't know,... I want to, but I also don't want to. It doesn't make any sense. Leo told me he would be there for me, to help me through the start, but still,...
-You have to do it!
At that moment Andrew entered the room, buying Ismene some more time to take a decision. She told her friend they would meet for lunchtime, and headed to the basement. She had been working on some calculations and blueprints, and had gotten permission from Roger to take down the original Recombinator and rebuild it from scratch. And that would be the first day. She had a huge notepad, and the original blueprints next to it. With a screwdriver on hand, she circled the machine, which she had moved to a different workbench. She looked up and down, wondering where to start. Of course, she needed to take off the external protective panels, but which one should go down first? Ismene always took her work very seriously, specially when it came to machines, because she knew that some of them were a pain to repair if they broke, and she wanted to make something that not only worked, but it was functional to anyone involved. She took another look to the blueprints and started her work, she took notes every now and then, and also drew how the machine did actually look in the inside. When the alarm went off telling her it was time for lunch, she still had much to go, although most of the panels were gone. Seeing the Recombinator like that was strange, as it was basically a mess of wire, tubes, and electronic panels, it was surprising that something like that could achieve what it did.
Eirian was waiting for her in the kitchen. Ismene heat up her lunch, and sat next to her. She was already missing the meals Leo had cooked for her, he was a far better cook than she was.
-So, did you register for the competition, already?- her friend asked her.
-I've been working! Of course, I haven't.
-You better do it, or I will force you to.
-Just what I needed, more pressure.
-Stop whining, Leo will be there with you. Seriously, I don't know what you have done to him, but you're the first woman I know who has been with him for more than two dates.
-I know, and now I leave in constant fear of disappointing him. I mean, that look in his eyes when he looks at me? It's just too much, I don't know if I'll be able to meet his expectations.
-Is, you think too much. Leo likes you, for whatever the reason, and you'd need to screw up big time for it to change.
-Like going out with Frode?
-I'm not going to judge you for not knowing who to chose, I'm just going to tell you that until you've decided you need to make sure none of them knows. Also, don't do anything I wouldn't do.
-There's nothing you wouldn't do!
-My point. Although, to be fair, my life looks boring compared to yours. Haven't you met someone I could disappoint my mother with?
-No, I haven't. But I could help you look.
-Good, we are going out on Friday, then. You don't have plans yet, do you?
-No, I don't. I'm all yours on Friday.
Eirian high-fived her, before starting planning everything they would do. She was like that, she always got very excited about things, and her excitement was contagious. When they finished lunch, they sat for a moment at the sofas, Eirian would take a short ten minute nap before getting back to work. Ismene had seen it a dozen of times already, yet she still didn't understand how could her friend do that. As usual, the blonde girl woke up on her own, she never seemed to need an alarm clock. When they went back in, Nathan joked with Eirian.
-You need to teach me to do that, I could certainly use a short nap now and then.
-I'm sorry Nat, it's not something you can learn, it's something you're born with. Otherwise, I would be rich teaching people how to take short naps.
-Too bad.- the man replied.
-I know, think of all the money I would have right now, and not the money my parents give me.
Nathan rolled his eyes, Eirian always joked about money, but it is an easy thing to do when you're rich to start from. He sent the girls back to work, with a wave of his hand. Eirian stuck her tongue out calling him a bore, and kept walking.
-Going back to the basement, aren't you?
-Yes.- Ismene replied.
-You lucky bitch. Roger won't let me near it.
-And I can't see why.- Ismene laughed before setting back to work.
She resumed where she had taken it. She was contemplating her progress, screwdriver in hand, when her phone started ringing. It was Frode.
12/30/2014
A Story A Day. Story 360 of 365: Best (Part XXX).
Work kept Ismene busy for the rest of the day, although on the rare moments she found herself idle, she considered whether Leo and Frode had listened to Peter's stories at some point of their lives. Luckily for her, the more she worked the more work she had, and she was able to be trouble-free for most of the day. Going back from work to her house, the bus passed by Frode's bookstore, and she saw him warmly speaking with an old woman in front of it. Was him too good for her? She stared at him for as long as she could, and sighed when she lost sight of him. Frode had told her he would call her, and he still hadn't, yet she knew he would, he was the kind of men who kept his promises, or so it seemed.
Tuesday meant seeing Leo again, and, after all that had happened the last time she had seen him, Ismene was a bit anxious. She tried to walk as slowly as she could through the forest path that lead to the swimming club, but she still arrived there earlier than anyone. Leo was already by the lake when she arrived at the sun deck.
-I'll miss this sight when we have to start training in wetsuits.- he joked.
-You can see it whenever you want?- Ismene winked.
-Oh, I know that, but I've got a thing for women in swimsuits.
They were close, their bodies almost touching, Leo's back to the lake. Ismene took a step further, as to kiss him, and shoved him into the lake. Leo resurfaced a few seconds later, to see her casually sitting on the deck with her feet on the water.
-Why did you do that?
-You needed a cool-down.- she laughed after seeing him wipe the water of his eyes.
He dived again and appeared next to her, splashing water and mud to her face. Ismene still had her mouth open, so she shallowed a mouthful. Spitting bits of leaves, she gave Leo a look, who was already getting out of the water.
-I thought you needed some cool-down, too.
They both laughed, while Leo helped her back on her feet.
-You're crazy.- she told him.
He pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly. Leo had never kissed her like that, he always kissed her passionately, expecting it to finish somewhere else. But at that moment, he was kissing her as if he had all the time in the world, as if he wanted their lips to fuse, and them to become one. Ismene shivered.
-Yes, I am.- he whispered into her ear.
Ismene felt the irrepressible urge to hugh him right then. Just to feel his warmth, nothing else. Yet, she didn't do it. She simply caressed his face, feeling his beard scratching her hand, and smiled. Their eyes met, hers wide open, his looking warmly at her. Leo was changing, and that made her afraid, because she knew he was changing because of her. She was also afraid because she didn't want to hurt him, and she could, eventually. She broke eye contact, and stepped away. A slight look of disappointment shaded his face for a second, before Richard made his entrance.
-Start warming up, the others will be here soon.- he told them.- Ismene, I just remembered. I don't know if you've seen it, but there is a open waters competition next month, it's in a nearby lake, and we always take our best swimmers, I'd like you to take part on it.
-Me?- she was doubtful, competitions always stressed her too much, specially swimming competitions where everyone entered the water at the same time.- I don't know.
-You'll do great. You're swimming at the same pace as the men in this group, and I can tell you this is the fastest group I have. Give it a try.
-Well, I could give it a shot, what am I to loose?
-Great, I'll send you the info through e-mail. Now jump into the water.
She joined Leo on the warm up zone, while others joined them. She was the only woman that day, as it had happened for some days already, the other girls had changed to less challenging groups. During the training Ismene couldn't stop thinking about it, she was swimming well, she knew it, and more since she had incorporated the routine Richard had recommended, but one thing was swimming with the guys, and the other was swimming with hundreds of other people. She was still thinking about it when they got out of the water after the cool down.
-So, will you be coming to the open waters next month?- Leo asked her.- I told Richard to ask you, I've taken part in it every year since I started swimming in here, it will be fun.
-You're going too? I don't know, Leo. I'm a bit scared, I've never taken part in a real competition. What if I panic at the start?
Leo shook his head.
-You'll be okay, you're a strong swimmer. And if you're anxious about the start, I'll be there for you.
He didn't say it, but Ismene could swear that she had heard "As I always am". Did she truly deserve that much attention? Leo stared at her with puppy eyes.
-Okay, I'll do it.
Lifting her by the waist, he kissed her again. When she was back on the floor, she kissed him on the cheek, as a thank you, before getting into the locker room.
Tuesday meant seeing Leo again, and, after all that had happened the last time she had seen him, Ismene was a bit anxious. She tried to walk as slowly as she could through the forest path that lead to the swimming club, but she still arrived there earlier than anyone. Leo was already by the lake when she arrived at the sun deck.
-I'll miss this sight when we have to start training in wetsuits.- he joked.
-You can see it whenever you want?- Ismene winked.
-Oh, I know that, but I've got a thing for women in swimsuits.
They were close, their bodies almost touching, Leo's back to the lake. Ismene took a step further, as to kiss him, and shoved him into the lake. Leo resurfaced a few seconds later, to see her casually sitting on the deck with her feet on the water.
-Why did you do that?
-You needed a cool-down.- she laughed after seeing him wipe the water of his eyes.
He dived again and appeared next to her, splashing water and mud to her face. Ismene still had her mouth open, so she shallowed a mouthful. Spitting bits of leaves, she gave Leo a look, who was already getting out of the water.
-I thought you needed some cool-down, too.
They both laughed, while Leo helped her back on her feet.
-You're crazy.- she told him.
He pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly. Leo had never kissed her like that, he always kissed her passionately, expecting it to finish somewhere else. But at that moment, he was kissing her as if he had all the time in the world, as if he wanted their lips to fuse, and them to become one. Ismene shivered.
-Yes, I am.- he whispered into her ear.
Ismene felt the irrepressible urge to hugh him right then. Just to feel his warmth, nothing else. Yet, she didn't do it. She simply caressed his face, feeling his beard scratching her hand, and smiled. Their eyes met, hers wide open, his looking warmly at her. Leo was changing, and that made her afraid, because she knew he was changing because of her. She was also afraid because she didn't want to hurt him, and she could, eventually. She broke eye contact, and stepped away. A slight look of disappointment shaded his face for a second, before Richard made his entrance.
-Start warming up, the others will be here soon.- he told them.- Ismene, I just remembered. I don't know if you've seen it, but there is a open waters competition next month, it's in a nearby lake, and we always take our best swimmers, I'd like you to take part on it.
-Me?- she was doubtful, competitions always stressed her too much, specially swimming competitions where everyone entered the water at the same time.- I don't know.
-You'll do great. You're swimming at the same pace as the men in this group, and I can tell you this is the fastest group I have. Give it a try.
-Well, I could give it a shot, what am I to loose?
-Great, I'll send you the info through e-mail. Now jump into the water.
She joined Leo on the warm up zone, while others joined them. She was the only woman that day, as it had happened for some days already, the other girls had changed to less challenging groups. During the training Ismene couldn't stop thinking about it, she was swimming well, she knew it, and more since she had incorporated the routine Richard had recommended, but one thing was swimming with the guys, and the other was swimming with hundreds of other people. She was still thinking about it when they got out of the water after the cool down.
-So, will you be coming to the open waters next month?- Leo asked her.- I told Richard to ask you, I've taken part in it every year since I started swimming in here, it will be fun.
-You're going too? I don't know, Leo. I'm a bit scared, I've never taken part in a real competition. What if I panic at the start?
Leo shook his head.
-You'll be okay, you're a strong swimmer. And if you're anxious about the start, I'll be there for you.
He didn't say it, but Ismene could swear that she had heard "As I always am". Did she truly deserve that much attention? Leo stared at her with puppy eyes.
-Okay, I'll do it.
Lifting her by the waist, he kissed her again. When she was back on the floor, she kissed him on the cheek, as a thank you, before getting into the locker room.
New Year's resolutions (because I did it last year and I'm as stubborn as a mule).
So, last year I did a post with New Year's resolutions, and now that I finally realized it's the end of the year (I know, it's taken me a long time to find out), I thought I could evaluate how have I performed breaking the promises I made to myself.
I also want to disclose that I did last year's resolutions after spending some days at the beach in Mexico, so I was probably biased. Anyway, here's what I said I would do, and the comments in italics.
1. Have New Year's resolutions. (That one was easy, I can feel I'm taking off already.)
Well, I did it, didn't I? At least I can say I fulfilled one of them.
2. Be more patient. (I can't promise anything, my patience tends to be limited.)
I also want to disclose that I did last year's resolutions after spending some days at the beach in Mexico, so I was probably biased. Anyway, here's what I said I would do, and the comments in italics.
1. Have New Year's resolutions. (That one was easy, I can feel I'm taking off already.)
Well, I did it, didn't I? At least I can say I fulfilled one of them.
2. Be more patient. (I can't promise anything, my patience tends to be limited.)
That was a dream I had when I was young and naïve, I'll never ever be more patient.
3. Take things more calmly. (Instead of stressing out at every little thing that happens to me.)
3. Take things more calmly. (Instead of stressing out at every little thing that happens to me.)
Surprisingly, this one worked for a while, like as far as March or April, probably.
4. Stop overthinking. (For example, when it comes to men, SPECIALLY when it comes to men.)
4. Stop overthinking. (For example, when it comes to men, SPECIALLY when it comes to men.)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA no comment needed.
5. Let things flow. (Related to 2, 3 and 4 above.)
5. Let things flow. (Related to 2, 3 and 4 above.)
Do I really need to evaluate that?
6. Get out of my comfort zone more often. (Like doing things that make me interact with people I don't know. Also, get rid of this shyness.)
6. Get out of my comfort zone more often. (Like doing things that make me interact with people I don't know. Also, get rid of this shyness.)
Yay! One I've done! Kind of.
7. Meet more people. (Related to 6, and also related to everything I've been doing here in Mexico.)
I've got this. Done, done, done! And maybe the best part was meeting people for short periods of time and have them have a huge impact on your life, well done, me.
8. Train more. (Some days ago I said I want to train for a triathlon, and I will.)
8. Train more. (Some days ago I said I want to train for a triathlon, and I will.)
I'm proud to announce that I also have done that. Hell, I hadn't swam in 10 years or so and I've more than 200km under my belt this year.
9. Write more often. (As often as once a day, even if it is only a paragraph, or a short story, or a whole chapter of a new book.)
9. Write more often. (As often as once a day, even if it is only a paragraph, or a short story, or a whole chapter of a new book.)
I will never promise this again, because my brain forces me to do it, and as everyone knows my brain is a jerk. You can see the results on this blog under the label "A Story A Day".
10. Go to more concerts. (One of the pleasures of life: live music. Also, the first concert I'm going to go is Frank Turner's so everyone wins.)
I'm poor and I couldn't go to many concerts. Frank was fucking awesome, though.
11. Sing more often. (Not only at open mics, but at home when I'm alone.)
11. Sing more often. (Not only at open mics, but at home when I'm alone.)
I haven't done a single Open Mic this year, but I've been rehearsing, and I joined the choir at work, so that's something.
12. Read more. (I used to read a lot, but right now I'm usually too tired to do it.)
12. Read more. (I used to read a lot, but right now I'm usually too tired to do it.)
I've failed miserably because I was too busy writing a bloody story every day.
13. Be less messy. (That's not happening, I don't even know why I wrote it in here.)
13. Be less messy. (That's not happening, I don't even know why I wrote it in here.)
Seriously, why did I even write it?
The total count is 6 out of 13, which means I failed at New Year's resolutions, which is not actually a surprise because most of those resolutions sucked. As I said, I was young and naïve and thought it's easy to change yourself. I've learnt the lesson and done a whole new list of resolutions for 2015.
1. Make reasonable New Year's resolutions.
2. Edit "Dream On" to the point it is publishable (For those of you who don't know it, "Dream On" is the name of my first novel).
3. Finish "Best", and do something decent out of it (You can read the first draft on this blog, it's the short story that has been developing since December the 1st).
4. Enter some kind of sporting event (If it's possible at least one for each of the sports I regularly practice and/or a triathlon).
5. Read more (I won't give up).
6. Sing solo again in front of public (Just because I'm a contralto it doesn't mean I can't do it).
7. Enjoy more my friends.
8. Care less about what other people say (If I'm warm and I need to wear sandals, I'm not going to care about them dressing as if they were going to Siberia).
9. Explore more (Not necessarily out of the country, but at every opportunity I have).
I think that's pretty much it. I could promise to give up swearing, but that's too much fucking effort, and I said I'd make resolutions I can keep.
12/29/2014
A Story A Day. Story 359 of 365: Best (Part XXIX).
Ismene's house became her sanctuary for the rest of the weekend. She didn't set foot out of it, and although she knew she would need to face reality, she was content with her current situation of hiding from everything. When she arrived to her place from her wander by the river, she was extremely confused. Peter meant well, but he unraveled too many thoughts in Ismene's mind. She was taking it easy with both Leo and Frode, and only considered them friends, despite everything that had happened, specially with Leo. But Peter made her think that, maybe, she could be happy with one of them. The thought made her angry, at first, she didn't need anyone to be happy, she had a good life on her own, she had a job on something she truly loved, she had a PhD, she was living in a foreign country on her own, she had a family who loved her, she had friends in many places. It didn't matter she didn't have a boyfriend or a partner with her, she didn't feel the need to share the experience. She blamed the patriarchy and the society in general for making women, and people in general, believe that no one can be happy if they are alone. When she calmed down, she realized that she was angry because she didn't want to admit that they actually made her happy, it was not that they filled a void in her, it was rather that they added something, the problem was that she liked what both of them added, and wasn't ready to let go of one or the other.
By Saturday evening she realized that she had taken the weekend for herself in part to stop thinking about that, and she wasn't doing it. She knew what the solution was. A few days before, she had bought some microwave popcorn, and she had a TV series to start watching. Since she didn't have anything to do the following day, she could go to sleep as late as she wanted. Huddling on the sofa, with a bowl of popcorn on her lap, and the remote close-by, she proceeded to binge watch her worries away. It was past two in the morning when she finally decided to go to sleep, having a dreamless night. The following day, she woke up to an extraordinarily sunny day. Ismene decided to have breakfast at the sun while reading one of her books, and when she finished breakfast, she just couldn't leave the book at that point, and the sun was too inviting, so she stayed out for as long as the sun reached her terrace. Feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin made her happy, making her feel recharged, so that day she was much more positive on her thoughts. Therefore, when Monday came she felt ready to face whatever would come.
Eirian was already in the lab when Ismene arrived, or rather seemed to have spent the weekend in, taking into account the chaos in her desk.
-Good morning.- the blonde girl said, turning down the volume of the music that had been playing outloud from the speakers of her computer. -How was your weekend?
-Quite quiet, although I did meet Frode by accident. Yours?
-Awesome, I've been here all the weekend, it's when you work better. Roger lets me stay a weekend every two months, and it's a bliss. You should try it.
So, Ismene's impression had been right, her friend had indeed spent the weekend in the lab. She thought about the possibility, but she had the basement, and that was even better than a weekend in the lab, it was like having the whole lab for herself at any moment of the day.
-I think I'll pass.
-Your loss. So, you didn't succeed in your objective of not seeing anyone you knew this weekend, apparently. You were lucky it was Frode, though, we both know that Leo would have been harder.
-Yes, he would.- she laughed.- As I told you it wasn't planned, I happened to be on his way to the bookstore and he fetched the opportunity to tell me he wants to spend more time with me.
-Is, dear, I think you'll need to start considering cloning yourself. There's no way you can spend the time they both want to spend with you and work at the same time. Oh, and swim and run and all that stuff.
-Maybe I could stop sleeping.
-Well, I don't think Leo would complain if you did.
Ismene punched her on the arm as response.
-Easy, here.- her friend protested.
-I'm lucky I've found someone who gives better advice than you do.
-You have? That's impossible, everyone knows I give the best advice in the world.
-You don't, don't fool yourself.
-Tsss.- Eirian hissed.- Who's this person who deserves the title?
-An old man who plays the violin by the river,...
-Peter!
-You know him?
-Everyone knows him! He's lovely, and a grandfather for almost all the young people in town. During the town festivities he tells the most beautiful stories.
12/28/2014
A Story A Day. Story 358 of 365: Best (Part XVIII).
The music stopped suddenly, and someone else took Frode's place. Ismene hadn't been listening to the music since he had left, anyway, so she didn't realize it had stopped. Peter had sat beside her as soon as he realized there was something else in her mind.
-Love troubles?- he asked kindly.
-Mmmm? No, well, sort of.
-You, young people, always overthink too much. But it's not your fault, you're afraid of making mistakes. When you get older, you realize that your life is the mistakes you've made, and that the only things you regret are the ones you didn't do because you were too afraid.
-But,...
-There are no buts, young lady. Follow your heart, do what makes you happy, love who makes you happy, and if they don't make you happy anymore, move on. Life is hard enough to do something or be with someone who makes you feel bad.
-And what would you do if there were two people who made you feel happy?
The old man looked away, taking a minute to think. He bite the fingernails on his left hand, focusing on an undetermined point on the other side of the river.
-Then you need to chose. I was on your situation in my youth. I loved two women, both of them were extraordinary, and I could have been happy with any of the two. One was from my hometown, she was sweet, and perfect, and I had known her for many years, I had liked her for some time, but she was shy and she never told me she liked me back until I started touring the country. I met the other woman during the tour, she played the violoncello, and was the most independent woman I had ever met, it was always easy to talk to her, she was strongwilled, and knew what she wanted. I liked them both, and in a way I loved them both. Surprisingly, they loved me back. However, when I was with one I always thought about the other. I couldn't choose, I couldn't compromise. Both had good things, and I needed both. There was a point they couldn't wait anymore, and they moved on. Because I couldn't take a decision I was left alone. I regretted not having been able to settle for any of them for a long time, knowing that I would have been happy with any of them.
-And what happened later?
-I met the one who would end up becoming my wife, some years later. Yet, the years in between were hard. I was mad at myself for a long time, crazy because I had it all and threw it through the window. It took me some time before I was able to love again, it was a journey of self-discovery. In the end I was happy, but sometimes I still wonder what would have happened, how much different would it be.
-What should I do?- she was almost seeing her future, whether it worked with one or with the other, she needed to chose not to be haunted with it.
-Follow your heart. Maybe it is confused now, but at one point it will know what to do. When it does, chose.
-What if it never does? What if I still want them both? What if I keep dating both of them until there's no turning back?
-Don't worry about it now. The moment will come when you'll be able to decide.
-Thank you, Peter.
-My pleasure.
Still, Ismeme wasn't sure about it. She could still lose both of them, she would lose both of them. She had expected to clear up her mind during that weekend, and somehow it had only gone to worse. Standing up, she thanked Peter again, and left. There was more people walking around, and Ismene started feeling overwhelmed. She had to go home, hide away. She couldn't bear facing either Leo or Frode again, not that day, not like that.
12/27/2014
A Story A Day. Story 357 of 365: Best (Part XXVII).
Ismene woke up, her heart pounding against her chest. She had been dreaming that both Frode and Leo had gone to her house asking for explanations, and she didn't have any. It was still early in the morning, but she couldn't go back to sleep. She got out of bed and watched the sunrise from the balcony, she was unsettled and still anxious. Furthermore, she had expected to be able to sleep for longer, and she blamed her brain for being such a jerk. Well, if she was already awake, she should take profit of it. After having breakfast, she decided to wander the streets. Walking always helped her clear up her mind.
It was a clear day, still warm, but one could start feeling that the days were starting to get colder. Ismene started off without a destination, simply walking around. It was so early there was hardly anyone on the street, it was eerie, yet it helped her. Unknowingly, she arrived to the riverside, all the restaurants were closed, and some shop owners were already preparing their shop. The river was still letting everything refect on it. The boats seemed to be floating on thin air. Ismene felt as if she were inside a painting. She stopped on the middle of the stone bridge, leaning on the stone. Her thoughts were lost when someone talked to her.
-It's a beautiful day, isn't it?
An old friendly man was beside her. He was carrying a violin case. Ismene smiled at him.
-Indeed.
-My name is Peter, nice to meet you. And who are you young lady, who stares at the river so early in the morning?
-My name is Ismene.
-You are not from here, are you?
-No, I'm not. I'm from Greece.
-And what took you here?- his eyes were small behind his wired glasses.
-Work, and wanting to discover new places.
-You've come to the right place. There's so much to discover in here, when I was younger I toured the country playing my violin, I met lots of people, visited lots of things. And I will never forget it, most of the people from my generation couldn't do it because of the circumstances, but your generation have it much easier, I can't understand why there's still so many young people who won't travel.
-You were a professional violin player?
-Yes, in my youth. Afterwards I settled down and started a music school. Now I'm retired, but I come by the riverside to play some days. It's nice seeing people enjoy the weather, the scenery, and the music.
-I'd love to hear you play.
-Come, then. My usual place isn't too far from here.
Peter stopped by a stone bench, opened his violin case, and started to play by it. Ismene sat down on the bench, facing the river, listening to the music. He was an excellent player, and she felt carried away by the music. It transported her to the mountains, by a stream where deer went to drink, a little girl went to take water for her family while her mother milked the cow. On the fields flowers bloomed in a thousand colors, she could almost smell them, a rabbit jumped around, and songbirds sang from the nearby forest. She had her eyes closed when she heard someone sitting beside her. Apparently, Ismene wasn't the only one who wanted to enjoy Peter's music calmly.
-Good morning, Ismene. It's a pleasant surprise to find you here.- that voice.
-Frode!
-Enjoying your day off?
-Yes. Taking it easy. Shouldn't you be working?- Ismene was happy to see him, but she had wanted to enjoy some alone time, and if he was there she would feel forced to interact.
-I'm headed to the bookstore, but I always like to pass by during the weekends, it looks so different.
He stared into the river, silently. Ismene looked at him, he seemed tired.
-I have been thinking, Ismene.- he was still staring into the river. - I'd like to spend more time with you.
Ismene still stared at him. He was part of the problem she had, and there he was making it worse. But she needed to spend more time with him to take a decision. Before she could say anything, Frode spoke again.
-I don't want to rush things, we can go out only as friends. The word "date" adds too much pressure. But I feel that you can understand me, there are not many people with whom I can talk to the level I talk to you.
-I'm flattered, Frode. And I'd love to spend more time with you, too. Just not this weekend.
-I understand.- he looked at her that time.- You need some time alone. Sometimes I do, too. It helps you understand yourself better, and the others. I will tell you something during the week. Enjoy your time.
He stood up and left, leaving a trace of the smell of old books. Ismene stayed on the bench, wondering why both of them were so good with her.
12/26/2014
A Story A Day. Story 356 of 365: Best (Part XXVI).
When Leo finally left, after lunch, Ismene found herself alone in her house. Everything smelled like him, the kitchen, her bed, her shower, and her hair. She was still naked, wrapped in a towel. She sat on her sofa, hugging her knees. She seemed to like getting in trouble. In three days she had dated two men, and had sex with one of them three times in one morning. Something caught her eye, Leo had left some plates wrapped with plastic film on the kitchen counter. And he had left leftovers! Ismene looked at the plates, he knew how to cook, that was for sure, and she would have enough food for a couple of days. She put the plates in the fridge, almost hating him for being so perfect. She needed something to clear up her mind, and she knew what it was. After putting on a t-shirt, she sat on her desk with a pile of papers she had taken from work, that would keep her mind busy. She worked for the whole afternoon, and well into the night, she finally went to sleep, still wearing only that t-shirt.
Once more, she buried herself in work avoiding facing her personal troubles. Of course both Leo and Frode contacted her, but Leo had the morning turn that week and therefore was unable to go to the swimming club, which was a relief for Ismene. She only needed some more time to figure it all out, she would, eventually. Eirian tried to help her, but she had to admit that she wouldn't know what to do either, also, Ismene tried to avoid the topic as much as she could. After lunch she would go downstairs and spend the rest of her afternoon working on the Recombinator. She was the first one to arrive, and the last one to leave. Dora called her one afternoon, worried after not having heard from her for some days.
-Are you still alive?
-Sorry, mum. I'm a lousy daughter.
-You are. Have you been busy?
-Yes, I have, but it's no excuse. I should have called you, or texted you, or something.
A machine on the background beeped, startling Ismene.
-What was that noise? Are you still at work?
-Yes, I want to finish something.
-What time is it in there? Six in the afternoon?
-Actually, it's seven.
-You should take care of yourself, rest a bit. Don't overwork yourself.
-I won't.- Ismene knew that as long as she had so much personal trouble, she would spent most of her waking hours working.
-I'll keep an eye on you. So, don't lie to me.
-Yes, mother.
-When are you coming to visit?
-I have only been gone for a couple of months, mum. I'll try to come for the holidays.
-You better come.
-Mum! I need to finish this. I'll call you whenever.
Dora was always very persistent on her need to go back to visit. But Ismene didn't have time to discuss about that, and she had long learnt how to finish their conversations. She kept working for a couple more hours, as time flew when she was in the basement. After working hard during the whole week, she decided to take the weekend off. No dates, no contact with neither Leo nor Frode, no reason to even get out of the house. Eirian had asked her about her weekend plans at some point during the week, and couldn't believe it when she had told her she had no plans, nor wished to have any.
Ismene stood by what she had said, and, when she left work on Friday, went straight home. Her date for the evening was a movie and some pizza, and only then did she realize how much had she missed that kind of lazy Friday evenings. She was so tired that she fell asleep on the couch while watching the film, and woke up just after midnight to a different movie. Her bed waited for her, and that was her favorite date ever.
12/25/2014
A Story A Day. Story 355 of 365: Best (Part XXV).
Ismene woke up to the smell of pancakes and bacon. Had she left the window open? No, the smell came from inside her house. She took a minute to process that, she lived alone, how could there be anyone in her house cooking breakfast? Unless,... she got out of bed, to find herself wearing only her underpants, that was something. Not bothering to cover herself, she walked into her kitchen half-naked. Leo was at the stove, the sleeves of his wrinkled white shirt rolled up, with his back to her.
-Good morning, sleeping beauty!
He had heard her somehow. Ismene stared at him, her arms crossed against her chest, angrily.
-What did you do?
-Nothing, I promise. You told me you were sleepy and that you wanted me to sleep with you. You fell asleep as soon as you got to your bedroom, so I undressed you and put you to sleep. And then I lied fully clothed next to you over the sheets. Not the best night of my life, to be fair, you talk on your sleep.- Ismene still eyed him suspiciously.- I swear! I'd never do anything like that!
-Mmmm, you seem to be telling the truth.
-Why would I lie? For fuck's sake, Is! You're being paranoid.
-I told you I don't feel comfortable sleeping with other people.
-That's why I did my best for you to feel comfortable and safe! I care for you Ismene!- Leo was very altered.
Ismene thought about it, as the clarity was returning to her. Of course he wouldn't do anything like that, not after what he had told her, still she didn't like it.
-Promise me you won't be staying the night unless I ask you.
-But, you asked me! You know, whatever, just come and have breakfast.
Guilt crept over her, he had done something selfless and she was accusing him of taking profit of her. She sat on the table, still half-naked and waited for him to serve breakfast. She suddenly realized that there were things she had never seen.
-Did I have all that in the fridge?- she asked surprised.
-Are you kidding me? Your fridge was a desolated wasteland. I had to go to the supermarket to buy everything, and since it's Sunday I didn't have much to choose from. You seriously need to eat better, no wonder you can't keep my pace.
Ismene took a bite from the plate in front of her and felt in heaven. He did know how to cook on top of all. Leo stared at her from the kitchen, waiting for a reaction.
-Won't you come and eat? This deliciousness isn't going to eat itself.
-You like it?
-I love it! From now on you can come make me breakfast every day of the week.
-I might.- he laughed.- But only if I get something in exchange.
-Aaaaand,... We are back there.
-Are we?- he winked.
-Leo!
-Hey, you're the one who is half-naked. By the way,... Can I use your shower?
-Will you require supervision?
-I might, who knows if I will slip in the shower,...
-Mmmm, I don't want you to fall.
-You started it. Just in case you want to bail out.
-Shut up and come.
Ismene stood up and reached for him. He quickly pulled her close, and sat her on his lap, before she had time to complain he kissed her and slipped his hands under her underwear.
-What do you say about starting here?- he whispered in her ear.
Ismene didn't reply, she simply kissed him and let him do. He kissed her everywhere, one hand inside her undies, the other one up and down her body. Ismene's breath rate increased as he worked on her, she tried to undo his shirt, but he wouldn't let her.
-Shhh, it's not your turn.
She moaned as a response, and let him do closing her eyes. Her feelings heightened, his touch feeling like a thousand caresses. He made her forget about their conversation from earlier that morning, and the one from the day before. He made her forget about everything that wasn't his hands and his lips on her skin. And soon he even made her forget there was anything else in the world. Soon she lost control, pleasure going through her in a way she had never felt it. He held her close, until she was fit to speak again.
-I think you need a shower.
-And I think you'll need to wash your pants.- she laughed before kissing him.
12/22/2014
A Story A Day. Story 352 of 365: Best (Part XXII).
It took Ismene more than 10 minutes to recover from the shock of feeling the sea breeze again. She stayed by the fence, her hands resting on it, her eyes lost in the horizon, her mind further away. The wind played with her dress and with her short hair, but she didn't even realize. She could taste the salt of the sea covering her lips. At one point it was only her and the sea, nothing else mattered, nothing else existed, she was vaguely aware that Leo was standing nearby, but he had become something secondary. She drawed energy out of the sea, feeling fuller of it every second. Her only regret was that it was not earlier, so she had been unable to see it during daytime. When she felt ready, she took her eyes off the sea, and reached for Leo's hand.
-Thank you.
-You're welcome. You really needed it, didn't you?- he said while pulling her closer and puting his arm around her waist.
-I did.
They walked together through a cobbled path to the lighthouse. Leo had made a reservation, and they were seated on the top story of the lighthouse, were the light used to be. There were few more tables, and all of them were small, to sit only two. The view from up there was spectacular, allowing to see the coastline and the lights of the towns along it. Their waiter took them to their table, and helped Ismene sit.
-This is a really fancy place. I would have never imagined you in here. Or with that car. Or wearing a suit, for the matter.- she told Leo.
-I'm full of surprises, aren't I?- he winked at her.- The truth is... my father is a food critic. He knows the best places everywhere, and he usually takes the family with him. I always ask him for advice, and use his influence to get reservations. And discounts.
-Can I marry your father?- she laughed.
-Sorry, he's taken.
-Too bad.
-You can have the son, though.
Ismene pretended to think about it, and he kicked her softly under the table.
-You need to learn how to behave in fancy restaurants.
As all response Leo pulled his tongue. They were served a glass of wine while they checked the menu. Needless to say, the speciality were fish and seafood. Ismene felt overwhelmed by the choice, there were so many things she wanted to try. Leo smiled at that, she was like a child sometimes too. He signalled for the waiter to approach.
-Our guest is having some trouble deciding which of the exquisite items of your menu would she like to have. Would it be possible to have a bit of everything?
Ismene's eyes were wide open when she heard that. A man who cared that much for her eating choices couldn't be bad for her.
-Of course, sir. Will it be to share?
-Yes, thank you.
The waiter retired after taking note of their order and picking up the menus.
-You're unbelievable.
-I just find it refreshing to see a woman actually eat. It gets me on my nerves when you take someone out and they just order a salad. If you're hungry just eat. Also, I like having you full of energy, just in case.
-I know your "just in cases",...
-Shhh, remember I've taken you here, and that you love it. I'm really curious about your relationship with the sea. I've never seen anyone recharge in such a way just by looking at it.
-You still haven't seen me at the sun. I think it's a Mediterranean thing. Or maybe not, maybe it is just me, but I need to live close to large bodies of water, when I don't I start to feel depressed, as if the water in my body could feel it. I don't even need to see the water, just knowing that it's out there is enough. And when I'm able to see the sea, it just regulates me internally. It's as if it were telling the molecules of water inside of me that it is okay, that it's there for them. It's soothing, and it helps me shut down my mind for a while. It's hard when your mind is shouting all the time, and simply looking to the waves helps relieve the tension. Well, I don't know if that makes any sense, but that's how it is.
-I think it's beautiful that you have such a bond with nature.- Leo had been staring at her with warm eyes throughout her explanation.- I can't imagine how that must be.
-Think of it as with someone you love dearly. The pain of having them far away, the joy of seeing them back. It's exactly the same. The sea has been with me all my life, on good moments, on bad moments. To me it's family.
-I'm glad I took you here.- Leo said, caressing her left hand.
-And I'm glad you've taken me.
What Leo didn't know was that it was the first time Ismene had voiced her feelings for the sea. That it was the first time she had opened up like that to someone she was seeing. There was something in Leo that made her open her heart, and that was new and terrifying, in a way.
12/21/2014
A Story A Day. Story 351 of 365: Best (Part XXI).
Ismene had fallen asleep on the sofa reading a book, and all her muscles were stiff when she finally woke up. Her phone was ringing, but she didn't make it on time to pick it up, Leo had called her three times, apparently. She called him back, still yawning and cursing herself for having fallen asleep in such an awkward position.
-Good morning, sleeping beauty.- he mocked her.
-How did you know I was sleeping?
-Lucky guess, why else wouldn't you pick up the phone?-she yawned, confirming his theory.- Will you be ready in one hour?
-I... What? Maybe.
-Good. I guess you have a nice dress, don't you? Put it on, I'll pick you up in one hour.
-What do you mean with a nice dress?- she didn't get a reply.
Leo had done as usual and didn't even say goodbye. Ismene didn't have much time, and she didn't even know if her only nice dress was ironed, she would need to take a chance, she jumped into the shower feeling all her muscles complain.
-Ismene, you are like an 80-year-old woman.- she told herself, massaging her shoulders under the warm water.
The shower felt so nice that she completely forgot she had to hurry, and when she finally stepped out, she only had half an hour to get ready. She rubbed her hair dry, while looking in the closet for the dress. She had to have it somewhere, she thought while digging through all her clothes. She finally found it, examining it outside the wardrobe, she decided it wasn't that bad. The dress itself was simple, strapless, knee-long, and a deep red, but it looked awesome on her. Of course, she needed a strapless bra for it. She had bought a special set of lingerie to wear with that dress, and she knew she had put it on one of the drawers, she had seen it at some point during the week. She had to pull out half of her underwear out of the drawers before she was able to find what she was looking for. She put it on quickly, and realized she didn't know where her shoes were either. The phone rang while she was fishing for them.
-I'm here already.
-I'm not ready, yet. I still have to get dressed.
-If you want we can skip dinner,...- Leo said suggestively.
-Shut up. I'll be there in five.
Ismene was lucky enough to find the shoes fast, and have the clutch she needed close in hand. She slipped into her dress, stuffed everything she needed inside the clutch, and headed to the door while putting on the shoes. Leo was waiting for her on the street, sitting on a black convertible. He didn't seem to do too bad. She sat by his side, kissing him on the lips.
-You look stunning, and as if you had just rolled out of bed. You know, it's not too late to go back upstairs and stay in bed.- she punched him on the arm as a response.
-Why are you taking me for dinner so early? Do we have a date with an old couple or something?
-It's a surprise, but let's say we have to go a bit far to have dinner tonight.
-Oh, no. I'm starving!- Ismene complained.
-I suspected so, and I picked something for you to eat on the way.- he said while opening the glove compartment and handing her a bag of dried fruits and nuts.- Don't eat too much, though.
-So, where are you taking me?
-It's a surprise.
-Tell me! You've made me dress fancy.- for the first time she realized he was wearing a suit and tie, and he had shaved his scruff and combed his hair.- Are you even Leo?
-I can prove it if you want.- he said while looking straight on the road.
-You won't stop, will you?
-I haven't said anything.
Ismene rolled her eyes, and looked through the window. The city gave way to fields, and a few minutes later, she started smelling of sea.
-You didn't!
-I didn't what?- he asked with a smile.
-Take me to the sea!
-Shhhh, let me drive.
When she finally saw the sea night had already fallen. The moon and the stars reflected on the water, making it look sparkly. They drove over the cliffs, up to a little lighthouse. Leo stopped the car there.
-We have reached our destination.- he announced, stepping out of the car and opening her door.
12/20/2014
A Story A Day. Story 350 of 365: Best (Part XX).
Having a free morning on a weekend had started to feel alien to Ismene. Although in retrospective she had only been fully booked for the previous weekend. So much had happened in two weeks, yet it seemed it had happened in at least two months. That Saturday she stayed home, cleaning, reading, but mostly thinking. She went back to her thoughts from the previous night, she had been lucky enough to meet two extraordinary men, each in his own way, and she liked them both. She was on a crossroads and didn't have a map, she needed someone to talk to, and suddenly she realized who she needed to talk to.
Chara had been her friend since their university days, she had actually been the first friend she had made in Athens, when she moved there to study, and they had been roommates for quite a long time. Funnily enough, they couldn't be less alike. Chara had studied art history, had remained in Greece, and had gotten married to her long-time boyfriend as soon as she got out of uni. Yet, she was a good listener and gave the best advice in the world. Ismene realized that they didn't talk as much as they should, but it was as if time hadn't passed when they did. She texted her friend to ask her if she was able to Skype with her. Chara texted her almost instantly telling her to get online as soon as possible. Ismene turned on her laptop and opened the software, which started ringing straight away.
-Is! How are you? I miss you, you know? You shouldn't go so far away from everyone!- a talkative Chara told her.
-I'm fine. Actually, I need your advice. But first, how are you? How are things?
Chara's face lit up at the question, she covered her mouth with her hands, and let a squeal escape.
-I can't believe I haven't told you yet! I'm pregnant!
-You are? Congratulations! Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?
-Not yet, I'm only three months along, you can't even see it yet, but be sure I'll tell you as soon as I know. But you said you needed advice, men?
-How did you know?- Ismene laughed.
-Is, sweetie, every time you need advice it's about men. So who's the unfortunate soul you're going to devour this time?- Chara had always made fun of her for not being happy enough with her boyfriends, for wanting always something more, something better.
-Souls,...
-Is! How long have you been there? One month? And you already managed to mess up with the lifes of more than one man?
-To be fair, I haven't messed up with anyone's life,... Yet.
-Well, tell me about those two little lambs.- Ismene couldn't help but imagine both of them as lambs and had a laughing fit.
-I wouldn't say any of them are lambs. If anything one would be a fox, and the other one, I'm not sure, maybe an owl, but one of the big ones or something.
-Skip the animal comparisons, and get to the point. You've two men in your life.
Ismene explained her everything that happened during those two weeks, her dates, her encounters with Leo, Frode's bookshop, everything she thought could be relevant. She finished with her date of the previous day with the bookkeeper.
-Hmm, so not only do you have two men in your life, but you happened to snatch the two more eligible bachelors in the city. I don't know how do you make it to always get in so much trouble, Ismene.
-I wish I knew. What do I do?
-I think that you should start making a list of what do you like of each of them.
-Mmmm, with Leo I don't feel pressured to be someone else, I can be natural, I have lots of fun, he doesn't judge me for my lowest impulses. Also, the sex is incredible, and he understood it when I told him I needed to take it slowly. Frode is an intellectual equivalent, he's stimulant, I could spend hours talking to him. Each of them gives me something I need. I can't give up any of them. What if the sex with Frode isn't as good? What if I need to have deep intellectual conversations and only Leo is around?
-Well, maybe you need to get to know them a bit more before you take a decission. Maybe you will be able to talk with Leo the same way you talk with Frode, or maybe Frode will be able to give you what Leo does.
-So, I should date the both of them until I am ready to make a choice? What if I'm never ready to decide which of them do I want?
-We will cross that bridge when we get to it, there's no point in worrying now.
It could work, Ismene realized, after all she hadn't known them for such a long time, she still needed to see their darker sides.
12/18/2014
A Story A Day. Story 348 of 365: Best (Part XVIII).
Frode had chosen a small restaurant next to the river. They were sat on a table at the terrace overlooking it. There was a relaxed atmosphere, with live music inside, and lots of young people who were either having dinner or a drink. As soon as they were seated, the waiter brought them a couple of drinks. Ismene looked at Frode, inquisitively.
-In this place you don't have a choice, they bring you whatever they please, so if you have any allergies better tell them now.
-No, I don't.- she told the waiter, and took a sip of her drink afterwards.- Well, this should be fun.
-It is, indeed. I like it very much in here. However, I hate that if you like something you will never be able to order it. But it's part of the magic, I guess.
Ismene smiled at him. She would have never thought of him as an adventurous type, a man who owns a bookshop and bakes his own cookies. But again, he was a mistery, and misteries hide surprises, and she wanted to start discovering all of them.
-You had a story to tell me, I seem to remember.
-You do remember well.
-So, where is it?
Frode laughed at that. His laughter was deep, like his voice. He squinted his eyes a little, as if he had never listened to anything half as funny in his life.
-You'll have to wait until we get the food, I don't want to spoil the surprise.
-I hope it is a good one.
-Oh, it is, indeed.
Shortly after, the waiter arrived with a couple of plates. One was some kind of pasta salad with greens and fruits, the other was a risotto. Seeing that they couldn't agree on what should each of them have, they decided to split it.
-Start now.
-Ok, ok. As you want. You might remember I told you I am the fifth generation of bookkeepers. I grew up in the bookshop, actually I was almost born in here. So the story goes some years back. My family arises from Germany, as you can tell by my surname. The first Hoifmeister to come to this country arrived after fleeing Germany for religious reasons, although to be fair I should say that it was rather due to lack of religion. My family comes from a long tradition of keepers of knowledge, and this means easy access to a bast amount of information. He found it hard to believe on what they were telling him and decided to move overseas. The bookshop was his way to keep knowledge alive, there are books hidden everywhere, books he saved during his flight. Sometimes I still find them hidden in secret places, those and other books that all the Hoifmeister's have hidden around, it has become kind of a tradition already. My ancestor never returned to Germany, neither did his son. My grandfather, was the first of my family to set foot in Germany after his grandfather had left, but it was for a really short trip. It was actually my father who reconciled us with our native land, he went there when he was eighteen to study, and he meet my mother there. My mother was a Dane who was studying in Germany, and she was curious about that foreign-German boy who seemed to be from nowhere, but from everywhere at the same time. When my father finished his studies, they both decided to move back here and take over the bookshop. My mother was a natural for it, she was charming, and she always had the best suggestions for everyone, it was as if she could read their minds, people say I'm good, but she was extraordinary. While she took care of the bookshop, there were always kids around, and she organized activities to encourage them to read. Everyone loved her, and she loved everyone. As I told you, I was almost born in there, she was heavily pregnant and still roamed the aisles of the store. I spent my whole infancy in here, and I almost learnt to read before I learnt to write. I loved my mother dearly, she was beautiful, she was sweet, and she was smart. And she passed away when I was barely fifteeen. It broke my heart, I never had a close relationship with my father, we were family and that was it, but my mother,... It was something else. It was like losing your best friend. I went into a rebellious phase, that lasted for a couple of years, and left my father alone. I moved in with a friend, I would skip classes, I guess I kind of blamed books for killing my mother, although they had nothing to do with her death. I was confused, and I didn't really know what I was doing. I was lucky enough to have someone open my eyes, so after some time I returned home. My father had aged a century, and the bookstore was about to fill for bankruptcy. The death of my mother had drained all the energy out of him, and I had only made it worse. We agreed for me to go to study in Germany, it would be good for me, he said. It also allowed me to spend some time with my maternal family, get to know better the land of her childhood. I spent four years there, and I developed a taste for classics and ancient mythology. I traveled a lot, trying to see as much as possible, knowing that it was something that was once in a lifetime. I would take my backpack and get lost, I walked around in Ireland, I cycled in the Netherlands, I explored each corner of the European capitals, I climbed the mountains. And when the time was over I came back home and took care of the bookshop. My father was relieved of getting the weight off his shoulders, he was never the same man after his love died. He lives in Germany now, it reminds him of his youth, I guess.
Ismene was speechless after that. She would have never thought that he would have lived all that, and she knew it was actually a summary, that there were thousands of stories to be told, millions of experiences. She had so many questions that they all piled up and none would come up. Frode must have been used to that reaction, so he simply smiled. He did smile a lot, Ismene realized.
-So?- he took a spoonful of the risotto that had been abandoned for the lenght of his story.
-After all that, you just went back and took over the bookstore? Don't you long for adventure?- she wasn't sure it was the right question, but it was the one thing she could think of.
-Who says that bookstores are not adventurous?
12/17/2014
A Story A Day. Story 347 of 365: Best (Part XVII).
Frode was still in his shop when Ismene went to pick him up. She had been looking into her wardrobe for the whole afternoon before she decided for an outfit, it had been hard to choose what to dress to meet Leo, but it had been harder to meet Frode. Sometimes, when she did things like that, she ended up mad at herself, she would tell herself that it didn't matter what she looked like, that her personality was the only thing that men should care about. Yet, she felt insecure about herself, and wanted to show that she was the whole package, rather than only a brain, or a nice body. Knowing that Frode would value her more for her brains, she felt even more insecure about not being smart enough. She passed in front of the shop almost three thousand times before she braved up and got in. Frode was at the cash register, and when he heard the door opening he replied automatically.
-I'll be helping you in a second, feel free to roam the shop.
-Thanks, but it won't be necessary.- Ismene replied with a smile, he was absentminded, apparently.
-Oh, it's you. Good evening, Ismene.- his voice was like molten chocolate.-I'll be done in five minutes, take a seat.
There were several chairs, sofas, and armchairs scattered around the shop. Ismene took seat in a sofa, laid back, and closed her eyes. The shop smelled of books, new, old, all the kinds, there was a sweet undertone she couldn't identify, vanilla, freshly baked cookies, or maybe chocolate. Soft jazz music was playing in the background, it had the characteristic sound of a record player. She hadn't realized about all that when she had visited the shop the previous two times. It was a place where she could definitely live, a safe haven. With her eyes closed she could feel a different aroma, it was fresh, but also mysterious, a bit like the open ocean, she could almost hear the waves crashing against the boat.
-Ismene?- that deep voice again, she got goosebumps all over.
-Hmm?- she replied opening her eyes.
-Were you sleeping?- he was looking at her with his hands on his hips.
-No, I was just enjoying the surroundings. And trying to find out what is the smell I can feel under the booksmell. It's something sweet, but I don't know what.
-I think I know. Stay in here, I'll show you.- he returned soon after with a plate of cookies.- Try one.
The cookies smelled like heaven, and were the exact color of gold. She took one shyly, and bite it. She had to contain herself not to moan in pleasure. Those were the best cookies she had ever had.
-Wow! This is incredible! Where do you get them?
-They are homemade. It's an old Danish recipe from my mother.
-Well, congratulate her on the cookies.
-Actually, I baked them myself.- he seemed sad when he said that, but Ismene knew that if she wanted to find out more about him, she would need for him to open up at his own rhythm. Still with a shade of sadness in his stare, he changed the topic.- So, are you ready to go?
-I am. Are you?
-As soon as I switch off the lights, I'll be. Wait for me outside.
It was past nine when they finally got out of the bookstore, and Ismene was starving. The cookie had opened up her appetite and her stomach had started growling.
-Do you mind walking a bit?- Frode asked her.
-Not at all.- she was thankful she had had the sense to put on comfortable shoes.
-Have you been next to the river? It's just outside the old city walls, the artisans used to set up their workshops there, there are some small local shops and some nice restaurants there.
-No, I haven't been.
Frode took her through the old city streets, he was a far better city guide than Leo had been. He spoke calmly about the history of the city, as they wandered around, pointing her to buildings that had key roles at some point. His voice was soothing, and he explained so well that Ismene had the feeling that she was there when it happened. Before she even realized they were out of the city walls and next to the river. When Ismene saw it, she wanted to punch herself for not having been there before. Two-story houses lined up next to it, small boats were tied on the quays, music coming out of some of them. There was people walking everywhere, young people, mostly, there were also street performers scattered throughout. A wide stone bridge crossed it, flowers on planters hanging from it. Frode had taken her to the right place.
12/16/2014
A Story A Day. Story 346 of 365: Best (Part XVI).
As soon as Ismene returned to her office, Eirian told her off on how she had to take care of her all the time. Ismene felt as if her mother were there, and felt imcredibly guilty for not having called her yet. She apologized and headed to the kitchen to have lunch. There was not much left, but she managed to put together a decent meal. After lunch she headed back downstairs, after promising Eirian that she wouldn't stay there long, and that she would spend some time with her the following day.
Ismene kept her promise, and the friends went for a run around the lake. That time Eirian didn't force her to run faster, or to meet the guys, and she was strangely silent. That unsettled Ismene, her friend wasn't one to stay quiet for so long.
-Are you okay, Eirian?
-Yes, well no. I'm having problems at work, there's something I don't know how to solve. It's driving me crazy, I know I shouldn't obsess over it, but that's my personality, I just keep thinking about it all the time, and get frustrated. And in the end it affects the rest of my life, and I start thinking I'm a failure.
-Don't say that.- they had stopped by the shore, and Ismene made her friend seat on a tree trunk.-You're not a failure, you're a talented young woman, who has succeeded in life, and who is doing what she loves in life. Look at you, you're smart, you've brains, and you have control of your life.
-And then, why do I feel so bad? Why do I feel like I don't deserve all this? Sometimes I stay awake at night thinking Roger was wrong about me, thinking someone else should be in my place. Thinking that maybe my parents were right, that I don't have any kind of talent.- she cried.
Ismene knew that words wouldn't calm her down, so she simply hugged her tight, knowing that that was exactly what she needed.
-Thank you.- Eirian said breaking the embrace.
-It's nothing. Just do something else and the solution will come on its own.
Eirian smiled and stood up. Her friend was right, she had to think about something else. They headed back to the lab, and while the blonde girl tried to focus on other topics, Ismene continued with her normal work. She had lost lots of time the previous day with the Recombinator, and time was not something she had to spare. However, she could feel the pull of the machine, tempting her to go downstairs and discover its secrets. Yet, if she could resist Leo's charm, she should be able to fight the urge to spend the day in the basement, elbow deep inside the machine. When Eirian irrumped back in the office, Ismene was completely focused.
-I have it! I found the solution!- she hugged and kissed her friend.- I can't believe how silly it was, I mean, it was just right in front of my eyes all the time! A small error in a formula and nothing seemed to work anymore! It was the stupidest thing, it's funny how I realized about it while in the cell culture room changing media.
-I told you so.- Ismene was glad to see her cheerful again.
-You're the best, Is. We have to celebrate tonight.
-Actually, I have other plans tonight,...
-Leo?
Ismene shook her head, blushing.
-Frode. I'll see Leo on Saturday, we are taking things slow.
-Define slow. Anyway, half of the city must hate you already because you're fucking Leo, and now you want the nerdy half to envy you?
Ismene pulled out her tongue and went back to work, she wanted to leave early to have enough time to get ready. When she left Eirian made one of her comments, but Ismene ignored her. On her way home, as usual, the bus passed in front of the bookstore, and she couldn't help but feel nervous about their date later. Would she actually be able to discover anything about the mysterious bookkeeper?
12/15/2014
A Story A Day. Story 345 of 365: Best (Part XV).
After much thinking, Ismene took a decision. She had let her most primary instincts lead her life, it hadn't been terrible, but she didn't like the feeling, she needed to regain control of her life, and that started for not falling in Leo's trap every time she saw him. She buried herself in work during Tuesday and Wednesday, and made her will strong as steel on Thursday when she went back to the swimming club. She arrived late on purpose to avoid meeting him, unfortunately even less people showed up that day, meaning that it was basically Richard, Leo, another guy, and her. Leo stared at her hungrily, and she had to force herself not to fall for it, learning to control her impulses was vital. She kept apart from him throughout the swim, and chatted with him as he did with everyone else. When they were already out of the water, he tried to catch her attention, but she excused herself arguing that she was running late. However, he wasn't the kind who gives up easily, and was waiting for her when she left the locker room.
-What happens?- he looked hurt, like a puppy who has gone without a reward.
-Nothing,...- Ismene shook her head, she needed to be honest with him, and "nothing" was a bad answer. -Listen Leo, I like you very much, and I really enjoy our time together, but I kinda feel like I'm losing control over my own life. Having sex every time we see each other is not a relationship, and although I like it, and I enjoy it, I'm not sure if that is what I want. I want to control my impulses, I want to spend time with you doing something else than fucking.- he flinched at that, and it almost made Ismene forget what she was saying.- My point is that I want to be with you and know that we are not going to end up in bed, or in the shower, or in the forests. I don't want this, at least not now.
-I understand it, it's just I can help it.- he caresed her arm softly until she slapped his hand.- I'll do my best, it's just that for me sex is a vital part of a relationship, it's my way to express myself, to transmit my feelings. To me sex is as important as talking, and it's just a part of a healthy relationship, as you wouldn't spend a date without talking, I wouldn't finish a date without sex. But if that's what you need, I can work with that. I'll refrain from seeking sex actively, unless you want me to.
-Thank you.- she kissed him on the cheek, she was pleasantly surprised with his reaction.
-So, dinner date on Friday?
Ismene almost felt bad for her date with Frode, but she was also intrigued by that man, and she wouldn't let the opportunity pass.
-I can't on Friday, let's make it Saturday.
-Good, I'll call you.- he kissed her goodbye softly, and headed to the door.- By the way, I liked the "in the woods" idea.
Ismene felt relieved after having let things clear with Leo. It may have seemed stupid, but she needed to be able to decide when things were going to happen. It was that easy. At the lab she received yet another surprise, Dr. Goode had left her a thick folder full of blueprints, papers, and notes about what Ismene had started calling "The Recombinator", it had a much more boring name, yet she always liked to make up her own. On top of the folder was the authorization for her to be able to get inside the facility. Excited like a child on Christmas day, she immediately headed down to the basement. When the door opened she almost squealed in excitement, having access to that technology was unbelievable, she couldn't help but imagine what could be achieved with that.
Martha found her examining the first model of the machine, it was an smaller one, and unable to process complex systems.
-I thought I would find you here, Ismene.
-I couldn't help myself.
-I know, it's so exciting.- the older woman smiled. -Yet, remember you have other things to work on. I'm going to let you play with this, today, however.- she added after seeing the look of disappointment in the young postdoc face.
And play she did, so much that she even forgot it was lunch time. The buzz of her phone took her away from her daydream. It was Eirian.
-Where the hell are you? I haven't seen you for the whole day and I was actually expecting to have lunch with you.
-It's lunch time, already?
-Is, it's fucking 3 PM!
-No way!
-Yes!- her friend sounded annoyed.
-Oh, I'm so sorry, I was working on something for Roger and I completely missed track of time. Have you had lunch, already?
-I might be your friend, but I'm not stupid. Of course I had lunch. And you better do to.
Ismene found the decision difficult, being down there was so stimulating intellectually that she never wanted to leave anymore, but her body needed food. "Stupid body" she thought, only to be amused at how could she be mad at herself for something physiological. If she needed to eat, she needed to eat, and the rumbling of her stomach showed her that it agreed with her conclusion.
12/14/2014
A Story A Day. Story 344 of 365: Best (Part XIV).
Work made Ismene completely forget about everything else, she had a thousand ideas and each of them sparked yet another question. It was a challenge, and she loved challenges. Therefore, when on Tuesday she headed to the swimming club, her brain was thinking on other things and Leo caught her unaware. She had arrived there early, like the other time, expecting to have some time for herself at the sun deck, yet Leo was already there, with a lazy smile on his face. She had seen him naked already, but still she couldn't help to be fascinated by the sight.
-I won't be able to control myself if you look at me like that.- he said jokingly.
-Maybe I don't want you to.- the words escaped her mouth before she even had time to think of them, but they were said and there was no turning back.
Leo looked intensely at her, considering her reply. His green eyes scanned her body, and she realized that training swimsuits didn't cover much.
-There's not enough time for that.- he winked.- Maybe later.
Ismene couldn't reply at that, as Richard, the instructor, joined them. That day not many swimmers showed up, and it ended up being quite a small group, Ismeme being the only woman. Leo managed to stay next to Ismene for most of the swim, making her try to increase her pace, and ending up swimming faster than Richard. For that, the instructor forced them both to cool down swimming along the shore while the others cooled down both inside and outside the water.
-You two.- he shouted.- Get out and stretch! Stretch well because I don't want any complains on Thursday.
-Yes, sir!- they replied getting out of the water.
They started stretching while the others went to the locker room to shower. Stretching in front of Leo made her feel strangely uncomfortable, and she keeped her gaze low as she did so. Leo realized so, and decided to do something about it.
-Ismene, can you help me stretch?- he asked innocently, sitting on the floor.
She stood up and leaned to help him, at that moment he pulled her down making her sit on his lap. They kissed passionately, and had to restrain themselves not to go further.
-I think there's something we need to finish.- he whispered in her ear. -Let's go inside.
-But,... There's people.
-There's no one in your locker room, and there's enough space in the showers. You're not going to leave me like this, will you?
No, she wasn't, basically because she needed it as much as he did. He sneaked in the locker room with her, and into a shower. As soon as Ismene closed the door he pulled her closer under the warm water. They kissed while he took her swimsuit off, she moaned in his ear. Leo stopped suddenly.
-Shh. There's someone else in here.- he whispered.
-This was a bad idea!- Ismene panicked.
-Calm down, we just need to wait until she leaves. We can keep working on this, in the meantime.
She wanted to complain, but his hands made her forget her cautions. They kept silence while kissing, until they were sure they were alone again. They let their insticts roam free, then, with the water muffling their groans.
Eirian was already waiting for her at the office. Andrew was also there, so the blonde girl refrained from making any comment.
-Fancy some tea, Is? You must be hungry after your swim.
-I,...
-I won't take a no for an answer.
Ismene followed her to the kitchen, cursing her for her sixth sense, how could she know when things happened?
-So, did you get lost after your swim? You've come in later than the other day.
Ismene took two two cups and prepared some tea. She gave one to her friend.
-I got distracted, rather.
-You, bitch!- that made Ismene laugh.- You're a lucky girl, do you know that?
-I know.- Ismene smiled pleased.
However, part of her couldn't help but wonder whether she was actually lucky.
12/13/2014
A Story A Day. Story 343 of 365: Best (Part XIII).
Monday came fast, and routine soon took over the madness of the weekend. Ismene was glad to be able to focus on something far more important than her love life, or whatever she was supposed to call the mess she was in. She might have been ready to leave it behind for some days, however, others weren't. One of them was Eirian, who wouldn't stop bugging her about it, she was cool, but when she obsessed over something there was no way to stop her. The other was Leo, who sent her a message telling her that he had enjoyed their day together a lot, and asking when where they going to repeat it. Ismene replied that she had lots of fun too, but managed to dodge the question, she needed some time for herself, to think about what did she want and what did she need, and what she wanted to do. That morning she went for a run on her own before starting at the lab, and quickly dived into all the work she had to do. Dr. Goode appeared shortly after, telling her she had to talk to her.
-There's something Roger wants you to see. It's something we have been working on, and it's still at the initial stages, also,... The ethical implications are a but dodgy, and we need to set limits on what can be done with it and what can't.- Martha was anxious about it. - It's kind of Roger's personal project.
-What is it?
-Come, we are going to the basement.
Ismene followed her to the lab, and from there into an elevator. They descended a couple of grounds, Ismene had never been there, as the animal facility was only one floor down. The elevator opened into a white corridor with a steel door at the end. It was a strange facility for a lab, not so much for a bank or some other kind of high security building. Whatever was down there was really secret, really dangerous, really harmful, or potentially really unethical if it fell in the wrong hands. Dr. Goode opened the door following some strict security measures. Behind it was a small lab, not unlike the ones upstairs. Unlike the one upstairs, there was no one working there at that moment.
-Who works here?- she asked.
-Roger. Me. Andrew, sometimes. Lilly. And you, now.
-Me?
-Yes, as soon as you get the permission to work here. Of course, this is only a side project. I use it as an escape when I can't figure out something with the main project. I have had the best idea down here.
-But, what do you work with in here?
-Let me show you.
Dr. Goode walked up to a shelf and took two plants that were on it.
-Do you see these plants? They both are from the same species, but one has beautiful flowers, and the other has luscious leaves. The perfect one would have the flowers of one and the leaves of the other to get that combination we would need to cross them and pray that meiosis and chance give our new plants the best features, which will greatly depend on the Mendelian model of inheritance. However, we have found a way to skip this. Look.- she walked to the end of the room where there was a large machine with a screen, two doors and a thousand of different lights. She opened the door on the right and put both plants in. -With this machine we are going to select the characteristics we want from these both plants and we are going to get a new plan combining them, we will also get another with all the discarded ones, because the machine basically uses all the material it gets in. This takes some time, so we are going to turn it on and we will come back during the afternoon.
Martha turned on the machine, and selected some variables on the screen. Ismene stared at her speechless. She couldn't believe that technology was real. The older woman kept setting up the machine, used to people becoming too impressed to talk. When she was done, she turned around and faced the young post-doc.
-Questions?
-A thousand of them, basically. But the first is, how?
-Well that will take some time. We should go back to my office and I'll tell you everything.
After a long conversation at Dr. Goode's office, Ismene had a wide picture of how that technology worked. It was time to know what would she have to do.
-And what will be my involvement in it?
-We want to move to doing the same with animals, it's a delicate subject, as you can imagine. Especially, ethically, but we want to try to do it anyway, call it an intellectual challenge. You will try to do it. Both Roger and me will take part in it, and Andrew and Lilly will be active on it too, but we think that you have the abilities to upgrade it. We will provide you with all the materials that you will need, also with the documents we produced while researching it. And there's the first model so you can inspect it. Questions? Comments?
-Wow, just wow.
-There's no need to say this is a secret project and no one outside this lab should know about it, right?
12/12/2014
A Story A Day. Story 342 of 365: Best (Part XII).
As soon as she left the bookstore, Ismene called Eirian. Her friend had told her she would pick her up for lunch, but they hadn't agreed on anyting. When she finally picked the phone up, she told Ismene to go to her place, that she had prepared something to eat. The Greek girl protested, she didn't have time to pick anything for dessert or to drink, but her friend would have none of it. Eirian lived not too far from the bookstore, in a penthouse. It was a roomy flat, with a large terrace, and even a small swimming pool. Ismene was surprised, that wasn't what she had expected. Eirian made her sit in the terrace while she took out the drinks and the food.
-How the hell do you pay for this?- she asked as soon as her friend sat down.
-My family has more money than I could spend in all my life.- Eirian shrugged her shoulders.
-You're kidding me.
-I'm not, I do science because I like it, and because my parents think it's something no one will ever be able to live from, for them it's my hobby, so they give me money and stuff. I'm happy, they are happy, everyone is happy.
-You can't be serious.- Ismene was still in denial.
-Oh, I am, dead serious. Anyway, we aren't here to talk about my family's wealth.- she said while nibbling in some home-made pizza.- We are her to talk about you and a certain gentleman called Leo.
Ismene laughed.
-Don't laugh, young lady! I want to know every detail.- the blond girl told her off.
-Okay, okay. So we met at the Cathedral, and he kissed me as he saw me,...
-Wow, that escalated quickly!
-Shut up and let me talk! He kissed me, but I scolded him. He can't go stealing kisses just because he feels like it! He did make up for it, though. He took me to eat pancakes, and then around the city. He's a lousy tourist guide, he knew the places, but he didn't know what had happened there. It was fun, anyway. Then we had lunch.
-Was he trying to go to bed with you or to make you burst from overeating?
-I love food! It's the best thing in the world, the second best sometimes. And he has really good taste, actually.- she remembered something.- There was one thing,... Apparently I'm the only girl he has ever taken to the pancake place, despite him going there quite often. That had me thinking, do you think it means anything?
-Who knows, maybe he just wanted pancakes. Anyway, I'm more interested on some other aspects,...
-Are you going to let me tell the story as I want, or do we have to go straight to the point?- she continued without letting her answer. - After lunch he took me to that huge park on the other side of the city, and we climbed to the hill where you have some spectacular views over the city, and where you can actually see the sea. I had a meltdown there, and he was so sweet, I couldn't help but kiss him. He was cool with it, I mean he didn't say anything to spoil it, he understood I had needed to kiss him, and he accepted it. We actually went for gelato after that, and it made me feel better. And, then, he took me bowling, and competition raises a certain primary instinct in me, so before I knew we were considering to which house should we go.
-His?
-Yes.
-Tell me everything.
-Oh, dear, a lady doesn't tell.- Ismene said with fake modesty.
-You ain't a fucking lady, Is. You fucked fucking Leo.- she rolled her eyes in exasperation.
-Well, I'll tell you it was the best sex I've had in ages. Just like that. He not only looks like he knows what he's doing, he knows what he's doing.
-Aren't you forgetting something?- Eirian made an explicit gesture with her hands.
-Sometimes a SUV is not the most comfortable car, but it wasn't a Smart either.- Ismene winked at her friend.
-I hate you. No, I don't. I envy you, actually. Are you going to repeat?
-I don't know, it was fun and everything, but you need something else in a relationship. At least I do, I need someone who fills me - Eirian laughed at that, and Ismene side-eyed her.- intellectually. Someone like Frode.
-True, you went to his bookstore, right? Still, are you serious? You have Leo, why would you want anyone else? I wouldn't.
-I'm attracted to complicated men, apparently. I'm not sure how it works, but I just feel like if they were a problem I need to find a solution to, you know? Kind of what happens with science.
-And I think you're wrong in the head, and you should focus on Leo and forget about the bookkeeper.
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