Second Street // Part Twenty Four

      Second Street

    Part Twenty Four

Charlie and Pam talked deep into the night holding each other snug under the heavy comforter. The tree warming their sight with its twinkling colored lights, tinsel fluttering, making it seem a magical sight. They made love until exhaustion overtook them and they fell into a peaceful sleep, holding each other, slipping into dreams. It was well after eight before either of them stirred. Pam whispered Merry Christmas in Charlie’s ear as she made him aroused. Let me give you your first gift right now, she told him as she pulled him on top of her. Charlie whispered back, I love Christmas, as he kissed her neck and nibbled her ear. Nine o’clock came and went before they removed themselves from the comforter. Come on Charlie, I need someone to wash by back, as she headed to the shower. Pam turned on the water to her desired temperature and climbed in, Charlie right behind her. Pam handed Charlie the shampoo and said wash my hair please. He placed a small drop of shampoo in his palm and rubbed his hands together then applying the shampoo to her long locks. He was slow about this as he massaged her scalp and taking care to get all her long hair cleaned. Charlie turned her around and tipped her head back under the shower head rinsing all the soap from her, kissing her warm, waiting lips. He washed her back and she returned the favor in kind. Do you mind if I shave before I turn the bathroom over to you, Charlie asked? Pam smiled and said, only if you shave very closely, giving him a wink. I’ll be quick he assured her. She wrapped her body and hair with towels, leaving the room to Charlie. He had to wipe the mirror free of the fog from the steaming shower and was quick about his business. He found Pam in the bedroom, rummaging through her overnight bag. She had not heard him as he came behind, wrapping his arms quickly around her his hands cupping her breasts. She backed right into him and gave out a soft moan, placing her hands on his. Charlie we won’t get anything done today if you keep this up. I’ll give you an hour to stop! He laughed and spun her around, giving her a quick kiss. The bath is all yours, he said. She grabbed her makeup bag and blow dryer and  headed for the bathroom, Charlie slapping her on the butt as she went by.

Pam took her time this morning but when she emerged from the bath, Charlie was glad she did. She was simply gorgeous and the best part was she had found her way into those jeans. He just melted. Pam saw the look on his face and smiled. She had on a cashmere turtleneck and boots. Charlie, I found your jeans she laughed, as she turned around for him. I couldn’t be happier, he replied. I’m starving , Pam said. Charlie was still stuffed from last night and laughed at this eating machine. What would you like, he asked? How about leftover Chinese she said, digging in the refrigerator and placing the cartons on the table. Charlie got a plate and silverware for her. He had made a pot of coffee and poured two cups. You’re not eating Pam asked? Honey, I am stuffed from yesterday, I couldn’t eat a bite, I’ll just have coffee, he replied. Ok, Pam said as she piled her plate with leftovers and stuck it in the microwave. The buzzer sounded and she took the plate to the table where she proceeded to devour everything in front of her. She reloaded her plate, heated the food and again emptied the plate. Charlie was just amazed  and could not help but grin. Pam looked at him and said, What? He said, I have just never seen an appetite like yours. She let out a little giggle and said, well I’m full now and we don’t have to put all those cartons back in the refrigerator! Well there is that, Charlie joked. Pam cleaned up her mess and asked, Charlie how about a little walk? It’s a beautiful day and I need to walk off this meal. He wanted to get out of the house for a bit and said to her, a walk sounds great but let’s get away from this neighborhood, it’s really depressing in any direction. Sure she replied, I understand.

They put on their coats, scarves and gloves, Pam donning a knit cap. They piled into the BMW and headed up the highway a few miles, Pam taking the third exit, finding her way to a beautiful park that fronted a river. They locked the car and went for their stroll, holding hands, a mild breeze turning their cheeks a rosy red. The park had a nice paved path that followed the river and gave such a wonderful view. All around them was serene country, across the river humanity was in full view. Cars traveling to and fro, buildings littered with lights, thankfully at such a distance that nothing could be heard. The park was as silent as snow falling at midnight on a crisp winters evening. They walked for almost an hour, not saying much, just enjoying their company, as comfortable in silence as could be. The path brought them back to the parking lot, they got in the car and proceeded home. Pam said to Charlie, I feel better now, almost ready for lunch, she said with a hint of irony and a laugh. All Charlie could do was roll his eyes and sigh, shaking his head. Once back at the house, Charlie got out the wine glasses and poured them a glass of red. He held his glass up to Pam’s, Here’s to making love, eating loads of food, and great companionship, he said in a toast. They clinked their glasses taking a sip. She took Charlie’s glass and set it on the table. Lover, come here, she said to him, grasping his rosy cheeks and kissing him deeply. Pam went to the tree and retrieved the two envelopes that had been waiting to be opened. She handed hers to Charlie and took his in her lap. Who shall go first, she asked? How about you, he replied. Ok then she said as she slid a long nail to part the envelope, removing the gift certificate and read the contents. Oh Charlie! This is simply wonderful, what a thoughtful gift. I love it and certainly will not wait long before I use it. Thank you so much! Now your turn, she said urging him on. His nails were short and the envelope well sealed, Pam taking the envelope and got it started, handing it back to him. Charlie removed the contents, reading the enclosed certificate. Pam, this is simply incredible! Who shall I take with me, he said to her, absolutely deadpan. She was momentarily taken aback, quickly realizing he was teasing her.  She slapped him on the leg, telling him to behave. She proceeded to tell him that they could use it to spend New Years Eve in Times Square if he wished to. There was some kind of screw up and because of that we will be the recipients of good fortune. Charlie just loved her adventurous nature, always a new frontier. Baby, I love this so very much, he told her. Let’s spend our New Years together under that ball, dropping into our new year. There is so much for us to do, we’ll never get it all done. This is so exciting, don’t you think, she asked. Just a great gift and we’re going to have a ball, Charlie told her.

 The large meal, the brisk walk in the cold, and several glasses of wine was taking its toll on Pam. Her eyes were heavy and soon closed. Charlie looked at her and couldn’t help but smile. He went and got a blanket, gently placing it over her. He went to the kitchen and took the turkey from the refrigerator as well as the other parts of his first meal. He took out his instructions and read what he was supposed to do. He turned on the oven and waited for the temperature to come up. He poured himself another glass of wine and retrieved his new journal. He began writing about the past few days. He wrote of his gift from Pam and what a wonderful time they surely would have. He wrote of Andy and the look she had when he gave her the gifts. The temperature ready, he placed the turkey in the oven and basted it. He returned to his journal, sipping his wine, giving a watchful eye to Pam. She was out like a light. Charlie wrote of his feelings towards Pam and of his wish that she may have the same feeling towards him. He wrote of his past lover  and how different she had been from Pam. Charlie loved this journal. The paper was just so right and the ink seemed to flow so easily. He loved the smell of the pages and the rich leather binding. He closed the book, putting it away. He returned to his cooking duties, peeling potatoes, placing them in a pot of salted water. He placed his green beans into the casserole as Andy had described adding the crunchy topping. The turkey was roasting perfectly and Charlie was so impressed with himself. He basted it one more time and removed the tent to let it brown. The smell of food was apparently too much for Pam to sleep through. She stretched and gave out a yawn. She came to Charlie’s side and put her arms around him, her head on his shoulder. Thank you so much for letting me nap, I  needed it I guess, she said. She went and brushed her teeth and washed her face. What are we doing she asked, returning to the kitchen? Well I am attempting to cook dinner, he told her with a laugh. Well let me help, although you seem to have it under control. The bird was almost done and Pam whipped up the potatoes, checked the green bean bake, opened the cranberry sauce and placed it on a dish. Charlie, would you pour me a glass of white wine Pam asked? He handed her the glass, Pam thanked him taking the glass. Your meal smells so wonderful, I am hungry just thinking about it she joked. This cracked Charlie up and he was hardly able to control himself, Pam blushing deeply. Stop laughing at me she told him, it’s not funny that I have a good appetite! He put his arms around her and told her, Honey, I’m not laughing at you. You just make me happy. The bird fully cooked, they put their meal together and sat to eat, Pam doing her usual damage to that bird. Charlie put on the Christmas carols again and they ate and drank. Their first Christmas together.