Golden rays of the sun in the late autumn marked the end of the work day on the Crow farm. The few people who worked hard bringing in the soybeans, corn and bundles of cotton put away their tools and tractors before racing off to use what was left of the cooling day to attend to their own needs.

Things worked a little differently for the single daughter of Herman and Lorraine Crow. Denise had always been expected to lead by example and keep working until dusk had settled across the cool fields. Spotting that fog was already slowly creeping its way from the edges of the woods and across the barren cornfields, Denise knew that she was in a race to get to class before the mist settled across the area. Quickly spreading the feed for the flock of ducks that lived by the natural pond close to the family farmhouse, Denise wiped the excess on her dirty jean overalls and approached her father.

“Dad?” Denise lightly inquired and retied her hair in a bandana. “Dad. I finished everything for the day.”

“MM?” Herman Crow looked up from his work on a stubborn tractor. “Denise, what is it girl?”

Humbly standing beside her father, Denise repeated her statement and added a question. “Father, I said I had finished all my chores for the day. Can I go a little earlier to get ready for school? I mean I would like to drive without fog both ways.”

“Mmmm, fog you say?” Herman mindlessly responded as he clamped an oil hose in place. “Give me forty-five minutes and I’ll take you to school.” He snorted and wiped his hands on a rag. “You don’t have no reason to be driv’n no ways. School even less’m.”

Denise gave a light laugh, “I like driving, dad.” She ignored the comment about school and pressed politely once again. “Mind if I go get ready for school?”

“Naw, you go on eh-head. Tell your mother I’m almost done.” He picked up a wrench and looked at his daughter, “You be home afore ten.”

“Yes, Daddy.” Denise giggled and gave her father a kiss on the cheek. “You worry too much.”

“I guess’m. Get along now an’lemme get this done.” Her father sternly and flatly commented.

Darting out of the barn, Denise found herself changing the words to an old nursery rhyme in her head.

-One, two…Denise who are you?
Three, four…footsteps by the seashore.
Five, six…artists magic…tricks..
seven, eight…oh the power to annihilate! nine, ten…by my hand be born again.-

Denise hastily jumped out of her boots and sprang through the door, quickly talking as she passed her mother. “Dadsaidhewouldbeanotherforty-fiveminutes.”

Lorraine stood up from where she’d just checked the oven and her meatloaf. “Denise, what? I can’t understand when you do…” Picking up her old wooden spoon, Lorraine stirred a pot on the stove with a half smile, “..and she’s gone.” She tilted her head into the living room in time to see the blur of her daughter bounding up the stairs. “I will make you a sandwich!”

“Thank you Mom!” Denise yelled back down the stairs before she closed the door to her room. With a sigh and a smile on her face, Denise peeked at herself in her vanity mirror. “This simply will not do. It is one thing to be covered in colors from a palette, another with dirt.” Giggling as she spun away from the mirror, her thin little farmers hand twisted the knob on her radio and she heard the fast talking announcer praising Elvis. “That’s better.”

Making her way over to her closet, Denise pulled out a sleek olive green tulip dress with perfectly ironed creases to accent the flair of the small frame of the garment. Scrolling through the few belts she had, Denise picked out a cream cloth belt and set it beside the dress now laying on her bed. “I will have a smock over this anyway.” Using one hand, Denise started sliding the few cardigans she owned one by one to pick the perfect sweater to match the dress. “Yes!” She exclaimed happily as she pulled a burnt-yellow knitted sweater with six fashionable buttons and placed it beside the rest of her outfit. “Alright. Shower time.”

Denise turned down the volume on her radio and donned her bathrobe, cinching it tightly to her waist. With a light creak and soft padded footsteps, Denise made her way to the family bathroom and closed the door firmly behind her with a solid click of the door and a metallic slide of the lock. “Secure.” Denise commented to herself as she walked over to open the small bathroom window, allowing the cool October air to circulate. Crossing back to the mirror that hung silently over the ceramic pedestal sink, Denise pulled the wide array of bobby pins from her hair, neatly stacking them neatly where she could use them again later. Grabbing a set of her long dusty-blonde hair, Denise wrapped it around to her imperfect bulbous nose and took a light whiff. “Just as I guessed. I smell like farm animals.” She sighed and flicked her half-curly hair across her shoulder. Twisting the four handled knob with the tiny ‘H’ on it, Denise yelped and jumped as the water bumped and squealed through the line then out of the tub spout. “Mercy me! You’d think I would be used to that by now.” Denise glimpsed the curtains from the window billowing lightly along with the shades of puffy clouds in the sky, holding her attention. “No…veil..” Denise mindlessly muttered just as the water started to burn her hand. “Ow! Come on, get your head out of the clouds!” Sighing to herself, Denise twisted the matching cold knob and balanced the water temperature. “There we go.”

Twisting the center dial, Denise shivered for a moment as a long rusty squeak echoed and finally diverted water to the stainless steel shower that was carefully curved over the porcelain tub. Sputtering for a brief moment, Denise looked up at the nozzles of the shower and tapped the pipe to finally get the soft stream flowing properly. “What’s going on tonight?” Denise laughed to calm herself.

Finally able to step into the stream of the steamy shower, Denise finally felt all of her anxiety leave her body. Content to let the heavy lines of water bounce off of her shoulders, Denise lost track of time when she closed her eyes and let the relief of the day meld its way through her muscles.

-BANG!-

High pitched and sudden, Denise screamed when the bar of soap slipped from her hands and made a loud thud in the tub.

“Everything alright up there?” Lorraine hollered over her head so Denise could hear.

“Silly me.” Denise muttered before she responded to her mother. “Yes, Mother. I dropped something and it scared me. I'm fine, thank you.” Quickly washing her body, Denise placed the dented soap in the dish where she’d gotten it and picked up the small tube of shampoo labeled ‘Prell’.

Viscous and green, Denise pressed the quarter sized dab into her right hand. Tingling to the point of a cool burn, Denise looked down at her hand and spotted the shampoo filling in a set of creases that she’d never seen before. “Hummm…it’s almost like I have grass growing from my hand.” Darting her eyes to the shampoo container, Denise read the tag line. “Radiantly alive.” Denise squished the soap into her hair and pushed the paranoid feeling she’d developed to the back of her mind. “Maybe I’ll make a nice grass hill scene tonight.” Denise commented quietly as she rinsed her hair clean. “The Crater.” Hastily squeaking the water off, Denise yanked back the shower curtain and pulled her two towels free of the rack where her mother had aligned them perfectly.

Content that she was dry enough, Denise wrapped her long stringy hair into the second towel and pulled her bathrobe back on before reaching for the door.

-Slip…bam.- Denise landed squarely on her butt, “Ow!”

“Everything alright? Be careful the tile is slippery when wet.” Lorraine shook her head, “Just slow down.”

Getting to her feet and gently rubbing her backside, Denise knew that the only thing injured was her pride. “Thanks, mom.” She whispered to herself. Using her body towel, Denise wiped down the floor of excess water so the others wouldn’t slip and headed for her room.

Spotting her big handbag with the supplies she would need for her class, Denise sighed and grabbed her coned shaped bullet bra and snapped it in place, adjusting her small breasts to fit. “Whatever is working against me tonight, isn’t going to work.” Denise told herself just as the shoulder strap on her bra snapped. “No problem.” stretching over her bed, Denise opened her nightstand drawer and pulled out a very large set of scissors then cut the four connections making the garment strapless. “Fixed.”

Finally in her undergarments, Denise took the time to sit in front of her vanity and work on her hair and light toned makeup. Unable to get the naturally straight hair that her mother had, Denise learned through the years of dealing with her mostly curly dusty-blonde hair that she could accentuate the curls and pin the rest back with bobby pins.

Denise had started dusting her face with a light powder when a sound much like screeching chalk on a board rippled through her room. “Ahhh!” Denise yelped and jumped away from her mirror. Scanning between the two curtained windows, the young woman realized quickly that it was a branch from the dogwood tree outside that had crossed the glass.

Pulling her robe back on, Denise opened the curtain and lifted the shade to confirm her suspicion. Gnarled like a crooked finger, the branch tapped and scraped the window between gusts of wind that had started while she was in the shower. Tilting her head once more, Denise looked up and saw darker clouds than before. “Open…Awaken.” Denise muttered trancelike until the tree tapped her window once more.

Jolting herself awake, Denise pressed her fingers to her temples then rubbed her eyes. “Just wake up…your mind just told you to wake up..” Closing the shade and curtains, Denise finally saw the clock and nearly panicked. Without any time left to waste, the young student first breezed through the rest of her makeup application and topped it off with a light red powdered lipstick. “No more distractions.” Denise commented as she pulled her stockings over her legs, careful to not get a run in them. Jumping into her deep green dress, Denise wiggled and twisted herself until she got the small zipper to the top. “Whew.” Denise leaned over in the mirror and flattened out the thin collar and adjusted the bow that was fastened to the upper left side, adding a bit of flare to the plain dress. Happy with the outcome of the dress, Denise wrapped the cloth belt around her and tightened it so that it gave her a moderate hourglass from the hips up.

Once again in front of the mirror, Denise turned to both sides and then to the front, making sure that the look was what she wanted. Nibbling on her bottom lip for a moment, she snapped her fingers and ran to her closet and picked out a small beret that matched her belt. “There we go.” Adjusting the small hat around to where she thought it looked best, Denise secured it with more bobby pins. “I wonder if this is how they look in France?” Waving at herself like she was being silly, Denise slipped on her knit sweater and fastened the top button.

Her look complete, Denise grabbed her art supplies and slipped her feet into her well-worn low heeled Mary Janes then headed downstairs.

Lorraine met her daughter at the base of the stairs. “I thought you were going to bring down the house.” She commented softly as she handed Denise the sandwich she had promised. “Keys are on the table, you drive safe. Don’t worry about your dad, just get in before midnight.” She winked, “Have a little fun.”

Denise kissed her mother on the cheek as she slipped on her form fitting light brown leather gloves. “I’m a little jumpy tonight, Mother.” She took the sandwich and smiled. “Dropping the soap was the start of it all…I’m alright though.”

“Maybe it’s a sign for you to stay home tonight, dear.” Lorraine shifted her weight to her right side, “I mean the fog is getting thicker outside too.” She rubbed her own arms, “Nights like this give me the creeps.” Lorraine walked up and fitted the beret on Denise’s head. “I do like the look, trying to get a date?”

Sighing once before she grabbed the keys, Denise shook her head. “No. I haven't met anyone I would like to have dinner with.” She patted her art bag. “If I have the chance, I am going to make a scene of the Crater where we had a picnic years ago.”

“That was a fine day.” Lorraine tucked a loose strand of hair behind Denise’s ear. “I suppose it will go with the others in the barn?”

Denise shrugged and opened the door, “It could go up in the house.”

“Drive safe, dear.” Lorraine commented as the door closed.

Skipping lightly through the loose rocks of the driveway, Denise made her way to the powder blue car her father had recently purchased. Pushing the key into the lock, Denise happened to look up and see her father watching her from the open barn door. Sending and receiving a wave, Denise quickly opened the heavy door and scooted into the driver’s side. “Sheesh, dad. I’m not going to wreck the car.” Denise muttered and placed her art bag on the passenger side floorboard.

Moments later, Denise had the big Bel-Aire in reverse and made a quick turn in the gravel before heading down the lane to the edge of the road. Denise looked both ways through the thickening fog, then raised one of her shapely eyebrows when she noticed her father was no longer at the door watching. Pressing hard on the accelerator, Denise felt the power of the engine rise quickly then the car lurch quickly forward first tossing rocks then squealing the tires when the rubber hit the road. “I’ll hear about that later, but I don’t care.” Denise’s wiry smile crossed her lips and she turned on the small radio in the car.

Minutes passed while Denise whistled to the soft crooning of Frank Sinatra coming from the speakers. Misty and dense, the fog clouds that had settled over the road parted for Denise as the big car forced itself through.

-Neese-

Shock and fear pulsed rapidly through Denise, raising the hair on her neck and creating chill bumps over her arms to the edges of her short sleeved dress. Denise reached for the volume and turned it down and waited a few seconds as the car's engine slowed and the vehicle lost momentum. “No…I couldn’t have heard that.” Denise took a deep breath and laughed to herself, “It’s the fog and my imagination.” Pushing the unknown whisper to the back of her mind, Denise turned up the volume on the radio once more and bounced happily in the seat as she once more picked up her pace.

Comforted by the fact she’d traveled down to Petersburg many times along this particular road, Denise peered the best she could to see the shapes of the trees that she was most familiar with. Spotting the thick maple that her parents carved a heart into with their initials told the young woman she only had a few more minutes before she would reach the outskirts of the small city.

Shifting her eyes to look into the rearview mirror, Denise’s breath caught in her chest just as an image of a gray clad and bloody soldier appeared from the fog.

-BANG!-

Between the ghostly figure and the new car that shouldn’t have backfired, Denise slammed on the brakes and caused the car to weave onto the embankment. Sliding off the road, the car skidded over the uneven and soft ground until Denise hit a heavy bump where she thought she’d struck a person. With both feet stamped down on the brake, Denise finally turned the wheel in the attempt to get back on the paved surface. Unable to regain full control of the car, Denise ended up sliding about another hundred feet until it stopped sideways and half in the dirt.

Denise laid her head on the giant steering wheel for a few seconds, trying to grasp what just happened. “Okay, okay…” She quickly wiped the forming tears from her eyes. “I’m okay…” Gaining her sense of direction, Denise slowly brought the car to a safe spot on the side of the road and turned on the flashers. “This can’t be happening.” Denise told herself and walked along the foggy road looking for what she could have hit.

Passing the tracks where the tires of the Bel Aire ripped up the dirt, Denise finally found what she was looking for. “Unbelievable.” She muttered as she spotted a large furry and bleeding opossum. Denise walked up to the half squished animal as it struggled for its last few breaths. Entranced, Denise stood over the broken body of the animal as it let it last breath into the fog. Entranced with the black eyes that were now peering up at her, Denise mindlessly pulled off her gloves to scratch her right palm. “Dead but not gone.” Denise stood up and wrinkled her rounded nose, “Nasty little bugger..you’re gone now.” Denise then picked up the corpse by the tail and tossed it into the woods. Making her way back to the car, Denise walked around and closely inspected the bumper for any damage or blood. “Perfect!” She announced with a certain amount of glee as the statement echoed through the trees.

Fed up with the delays, Denise got back in the car and pulled away from the small accident.

“No such things as ghosts.” Determined to put all of the evening's strangeness behind her, Denise sang along with the various artists on the stereo to pass the time and distance until she reached Petersburg.

Fate seemed to step in and right when the song “Rock around the Block” finished, the fog that surrounded Denise parted and displayed the lights of Petersburg. Breathing a sigh of relief, Denise took in the sight of a large and well lit park where couples walked leisurely hand in hand and occasionally laughed or stole a quick peck on the cheek. “Amour.” Denise whispered to herself, thinking about how her dad used the single French word while talking to her mother.

Driving for a few more minutes, Denise passed through the gates of the small school and its simple lighted sign that read “Southside Academy for Creative Arts”. Driving until she found an empty space in the car park, Denise shut off the engine just after she’d heard the DJ announce the time. “Whew. Ten minutes to spare.” Glancing up occasionally at the other girls hastily making their way into the main building, Denise gathered her bag of supplies and headed into the large ‘T’ shaped brick school.

Designed as an all-girls finishing school, Denise knew that she was one of the few seniors that would actually graduate from the institution at the end of the fall semester. Among her art classes, Denise had been forced to attend and pass classes in sewing, housekeeping, cooking and even etiquette with the other girls her age. Initially against her parents wishes, Denise attended the few intellectual classes for lower level calculus and chemistry that the academy offered and used the knowledge she’d gained on the farm itself.

“Soybeans.” Denise recalled quietly as she walked up to the doors of her school. Thick and rich soybean plants the summer after her first year in school had been the trigger for her father to stop most of his antics about her attending school. Simply removing manure and replacing it with certain nitrates, Denise nearly doubled the output in the small section of the field her dad allowed her the chance to prove the school’s usefulness.

“Denise?!” A girl snapped her fingers trying to get Denise’s attention. “You’re blocking the door.”

Chemical makeup and soil disappeared from Denise’s mind and she blinked back to the present. “Oh..Tatum..Sorry.” Denise stepped to the side and pulled the door open at the same time. “I hope I am not going to make you late.”

Shaking her platinum blonde hair, Tatum smiled. “Nope. I am going to the same class as you silly.” Tatum poked lightly on Denise’s temple. “Bakers class…We get a new assignment tonight.” Tatum grabbed Denise’s hand and pulled her into the building, “Anything is better than drawing another bowl of fruit.” Tatum’s light southern accent echoed in the hallway.

“I don’t know, I was thinking about a picnic scene at The Crater.” Denise hooked her arm through Tatum’s and carefully peered sidelong into her friend's gentle chestnut eyes.

Bouncing as the two made their way to the classroom, Tatum followed up with what Denise mentioned. “The Crater? Why are you always so..” Tatum looked up trying to gather the word she wanted and then grinned, “..almost macabre?” Curling her eyebrows and looking down at Denise’s bag, Tatum pointed. “Your mom makes the best food. I think that is a meatloaf sandwich of all things.”

“What is so creepy about it now?” Denise caught the hint from her friend. “If you want, you can have it. I assume you didn’t eat because you spent your time in the park with a certain guy?”

Jamming her hand into the big bag, Tatum feverishly opened the great smelling sandwich and took a huge bite then covered her rosy painted lips in the vain effort to look ladylike. “So, damned good.” She quietly burped and hid her face from view using Denise’s shoulder. Clearing her throat, “You always pick or do things that are a bit dark.” Tatum peeked up and waved at the other giggling girls, “Let’s use the fruit bowl as an example. You made them dead and rotting.”

“Language!” Denise nearly screeched and pulled her friend along. “You said it yourself, why another …damned… fruit bowl.” She paused, “I put my own outlook on it. I was telling Baker that the assignment was dull and dying.”

Flashing her hazel eyes in feigned shock, “Why Miss Crow, such language.” Tatum took another bite and handed the other half back to Denise. “Was the assignment of making a cartoon also dead in your opinion?”

Denise closed the sandwich and put it back in her bag, “What do you mean? It was a cartoon.”

“A vampire crawling around in Blandford Cemetery.”

When the two reached the door to the classroom Denise finally responded, “I watched ‘The Vampira Show’ the night before.” Denise walked to her station where her easel held a blank canvas. “I only drew my version of Vampira, you know the host?”

Tatum leaned over and whispered, “Yes, I know the show.” She looked at the rest of the class filling their spaces quietly. “The assignment was a hero, not a vampire lady.”

Denise dug out the sandwich again and handed it to Tatum. “I don’t know why you put it back.” After taking a quick breath, Denise finished. “I thought this was art class? Who says a vampire can be a hero?”

Greedily taking the remainder of the sweetly scented sandwich, Tatum smiled. “This is like magic. Too bad you barely passed cooking.”

Denise winked, “I’ve been cooking since I was four. I didn’t want to be there.” Denise waved Tatum away when their professor, Doctor Baker made his way into the center of the classroom.

“Ladies.” He combed his gray and black hair to the side with his fingers. “Please get your things, we are going to the lecture studio for the next few sessions.

Denise saw confused looks across the faces of her fellow classmates and a worried look emanating from Tatum. “What?” Denise inquired with a hushed tone.

“It is either very good or very bad, Denise.” Tatum gathered her things and walked closely with her friend. “You recall the last time Professor Baker did something like this. I thought he would lose his tenure.”

Ironically, Denise knew exactly what Tatum was referring to. “Yes, I do.” Snorting loud enough that Professor Baker looked over his students, Denise sucked her lips into her mouth for a second. “You have the nerve to call me macabre. That was a demonstration and rebuke against the death penalty.” Denise waited a couple more seconds, “I also remember Professor Baker’s image of that particular noose was in the shape of a heart.”

Funneling into the larger room with a small stage, Denise took a few minutes to set up her station once more and grab a stool for herself and Tatum. “I think he learned his lesson though.”

“We can hope. I don’t want another professor a couple weeks before the end of the term.” Tatum smiled and thanked Denise for the stool.

Professor Baker took center stage with his hands casually in the pockets of his navy blue sweater. “I know what some of you are thinking.” A wide smile crossed his mature features, “I am not challenging the status quo this week.” He bowed slightly when the class started lightly chuckling. “I also happen to have the permission of the dean on this little project.” Quietly walking to the beige curtains, he pulled the strings and revealed a small chaise lounge with red silk upholstery and a rounded yet wavelike back. “Oldest art has taken the shape of the human body, most of the time the female form.” With a twinkle in his eye, the gentleman professor added, “I am honored to have a model with such grace and elegance for you all to recreate. Be objective. Look beyond the beauty if you can, try and see her femininity.”

Unable to take her eyes off the beauty crossing the stage, Denise took her time and drank in every voluptuous curve of the woman before her. Initially dressed in a full length powder blue robe with reflective silver hems, the model fluidly unfastened the knot of the matching silver belt hugging her perfectly sculpted hips and let the robe slip from her smooth white shoulders and onto the floor.

Barely aware that the classroom had become deathly silent, Denise felt the beads of sweat forming on her forehead as she watched the heavenly woman situate her bare form on the plush sofa. When her model's hands flung the long black locks of hair across an exquisite neckline then accidentally fondled a plump dark nipple, Denise’s heart nearly jumped out of her chest. Denise followed the gentle curvature of her model’s plump and full breasts, down to her well formed stomach with a navel that she swore was symmetrical. Sweat streaked into Denise’s eyes and made them burn, but she refused to look away and instead committed her model’s pearl white legs to memory. Tasting the heavy flavor of iron passing over her tongue, Denise knew that she’d bitten her lip but didn’t care. Somehow the odd taste running down Denise’s throat allowed the young artist to notice her model’s deep purple pussy opening for her like a dew laden tulip. Swearing that she’d heard a light and pleasing purr from her model, Denise shifted her own bloodshot hazel eyes to meet a set of sparkled crystalline blue eyes. Blinking slowly, Denise ached for the moment when her model’s eyes once again graced her vision with the eloquence of the ocean itself. “Amour.” Escaped Denise’s lips in a hushed whisper, as she snapped one of her paintbrushes.

“Did you say something Miss Crow?” Professor Baker added to the broken silence. “Oh, Perhaps a different brush then?” He smiled and pointed at the broken piece of wood.

“Denise?” Tatum gently urged.

A wispy wink. A tantalizing smile. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Denise knew that she should respond to the questions presented to her but lacked the ability to do so. Keeping her locked within her thoughts, Denise felt the warmth and excitement of knowing that the two signals from her model were meant for her and her only. Emanating from the flutters of butterflies in her tummy, Denise felt the winged tingling expand through her nerves and land with a gentle touch between her legs. Matching her model’s bare cunny, Denise shifted and crossed her legs so her own sexual flower could open fully and press thick against the cotton of her panties. Flustered and unable to get herself into a position where her pulsing pussy could garner any relief, Denise gave up and ran out of the classroom when her clit sent a molten pulse along her spine. Light sounds of rapidly moving Mary Jane’s echoed Denise’s ears as her own musky sexual scent scattered her thoughts in the desperate attempt to make it to the restroom.

Denise crossed the threshold and slammed the door, locking it behind her. Panting and achy from her sexual core, Denise lifted her full length skirt and nearly ripped her green flower panties away. Wedging herself into a corner, Denise softly ran her hand along the inside of her thigh. “Yes…mmm…Yes…” She let her eyes close as she started nibbling on her lip again. Slipping her fingers over one thick and aroused petal, Denise tugged it and felt the shockwave as it weakened her legs and nearly drop her to the floor. “I…can’t…not…prop…” Denise plunged twin fingers through the opening in her virginal slit. “Mmm, Yes…baby…” Denise felt herself giggle a bit too loud and popped her hand across her mouth to muffle her sexual sounds. Unwilling to stop what she’d started, Denise flipped and curled her fingers inside her pussy until the first contractions of her stomach started. Moans of pleasure now controlled and in a lower tone, Denise dropped her hand from her mouth and sought out the ache in her hard nipples. While the cone bra was stiff and held her beast firmly in place, Denise managed to twist her nipple at the same time she twisted and pushed her fingers cunny. Waves of pleasure rocked the young artist, traveling the length of her body, contorting her muscles so they sent the sexual flow over her two milky wet fingers. “Ugh….yeess… please…more….” Denise begged her body as the tingles after the contractions indicated her body had spent itself blissfully.

Slick and wet, Denise licked her fingers clean of her sex as the orgasmic waves faded away from her overtaxed body. Reaching for gobs of toilet paper, Denise frantically cleaned herself the best she could without soap and wiggled her musky scented panties over her refreshed mound. Removing herself from the corner she’d hidden in, The young artist walked over to the sink and washed her hands and then freshened up her appearance. “This passes. Only my model will be able to tell the difference.” She puckered her lips in the mirror, clearing off a smudge of lipstick. “Perfect.” Denise adjusted the green bow on her dress and smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress before heading back to the studio.

“Are…are you alright, Denise?” Tatum asked with concern laden in her voice.

Denise slightly bowed to the professor before resuming her seat. “Tatum. Yes, I’m great.” Covering up what really happened Denise told a small white lie. “I was a bit shocked when I saw we were doing a…” Denise lowered her voice, “...nude. Seems rather risque, right? What will my mom and dad think?” Denise looked at her model and felt the connection between them once more. “I..just think they will call it obscene.” Denise used a blood red paint and split her canvas into four sections then studied her model again. Using the upper left quarter, Denise outlined a set of eyes in charcoal and looked over to Tatum. “I just love her eyes. So penetrating..so…”

Tatum’s voice fluttered with excitement, “So…haunting and dreamy blue, I swear they should have silver flowing in them.”

Jealousy reared its ugly head in Denise’s mind and she got a sour taste in her mouth. “Silver would ruin the look, TA-TUM. Ice blue, calm and rich oceanic blue, cerulean and starlike.”

Tearing her eyes off the shapely model, Tatum looked at her friend puzzled when her name was sternly used. “It was just my thought, Denise. I didn’t mean to make you angry.” Creating the depth of shadow in the set of eyes Denise was studying and developing on her canvas, Denise jumped from her chair and put her brush down. “I think my model deserves more personal attention, Tatum.” Denise winked at her friend and rubbed charcoal on her fingers and used the pads of her fingers to create smooth contours that hovered around the upper lids of her model. “There is something mysterious about my model, don’t you think Tatum?”

Dabbing red dots on her own canvas to emulate the blood-colored toenails of the model, Tatum nodded and stopped to take a bite of the sandwich she’d been given. “I think the color on her toes is innocent, like a ripe red apple.”

Professor Blake walked among his students and pointed out different things for the artists to consider. Once he’d made a full loop around the classroom, he placed his hands back in his sweater pockets. “Ladies. Many of you are painting our lovely model just as she looks while stretched out on that lovely lounge.” He paused to bow to the porcelain goddess laying unmoving, “There is more to her than what you visualize. What do the curves of her hips mean to you, ask yourself why she is in that particular position. Ask yourself what lies behind her blue eyes.” He paused and faced his class. “Stretch your mind to the absolute limit. Maybe ask yourself what beauty means to you. You have all week.”

Time escaped Denise while she worked diligently on her model’s eyes trying to set the shading correctly. Keeping to the single use of her fingers, Denise used different shades of chalk to create the illusion of moonlight streaking over the dreamy and passionate look of her lady’s blue eyes. Lines of soft red mixed with gentle curves of mascara gave Denise’s creation the hint of mystery and hunger, while preserving the hopeless beauty of being starstruck by the glowing blue.

“Denise?” Tatum inquired and watched her friend blow the chalk clear of the canvas.

Setting down her red chalk and black charcoal, Denise wiped her hands clean on her smock. “There. I think that is how I want her.” She looked at Tatum, “What’s up?”

“Class was over a few minutes ago, I think Professor Baker is waiting for you.” Tatum pointed at the empty sofa where the model was. “You have to be hungry, let me buy you something from The Dixie Cafe.”

Instantly the smile and goodwill that Denise had from working on her art in relation to her model disappeared when she noticed the stage was empty. “She didn’t say goodbye to me.” Denise sadly offered and looked at Tatum.

Raising one of her thin white eyebrows, Tatum half smiled. “She didn’t talk to anyone. When the Professor called class over, she put on her robe and walked out. I don’t think she said a word all night.” Tatum looked up in wonder. “Aren’t models supposed to be quiet anyway?”

Cleaning up her mess as fast as she could, Denise nodded to Tatum once she had finally buttoned her cardigan over her shoulders. “My stomach does hurt, The Dixie sounds great.”

“We can walk over if you want to. It would save the problem of finding a parking spot.” Tatum added as the two left out of the back of their school.

Melancholy slowly seeped into Denise’s mind, and she found herself barely nodding in agreement with Tatum as they traveled the well-lit sidewalk around the front of their school and into the nearby park. “Sorry I didn’t answer. I feel a little off for some reason.” Denise noticed the half worried look on the blonde girl's face, “Don’t worry, I am sure it is the fact I am hungry.”

“Denise.” Tatum asked meekly, “W..I..what was that back there? You know the beginning of class.” Tatum took a moment to fix Denise’s beret where it had somehow moved.

Denise looked up cross-eyed and smiled, “Thanks. I had a bit of a fit in the restroom and it moved. I guess I forgot to move it back.”

Looping her arm back through Denise’s, Tatum once again inquired. “You were talking aloud enough that we all heard it. I mean some of the girls even thought you might be oddball…you know..” She looked around and whispered into Denise’s ear. “...queer.”

“If I was?” Denise snorted quietly.

Tatum looked around to make sure no one was in listening distance, “Stop playing. You know what will happen. I don’t want to see you committed.”

“I am not about to get into trouble, Tatum.” The two walked the few blocks to the restaurant and Denise held the door open for Tatum. “My parents are determined to get a grandchild.”

Allowing Tatum to speak to the waitress, Denise trudged along to the furthest booth in the small cafe. “I have a little confession, Denise.” Tatum pointed at the dapper young man who had entered shortly after the two sat down. “Harry wanted to meet after our class.” She waved her boyfriend over. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Chaperone?” Denise flatly spoke and started to get up. “You are twenty-two, you can be alone in a cafe with a guy.”

“Ladies.” Harry smiled and scooted in beside his girlfriend. “Thank you for escorting her,

Miss Crow.” Harry politely kissed Tatum’s hand before pulling out his wallet and handing Denise a few dollars. “Tatum thought you would come out for a little dinner.” He winked at his girlfriend, “Mind if we take a walk around the park while you eat? I promise to have her back before you want to go home.”

Waving the couple off, Denise half smiled. “At least you have each other.” She wiggled her index finger at Harry, “You behave now.”

“Will do, Ma’am.” He winked once to Tatum and the two disappeared out of the cafe.

Denise sat quietly for a couple minutes and looked at the menu. Scanning the page until her stomach did a flip, Denise politely ordered a cheeseburger and a small plate of fries. “Thank you.” Denise looked up at the older woman that waited on her.

Turning to get a small sketchbook from her bag, Denise became aware of a sweet and woody smell from her right. “I love the smell of lavender.” She muttered and turned and came face to face with a set of earth shattering blue eyes. “Oh…” Blood raced to Denise’s cheeks when she realized her model was standing gracefully over the table.

“Is this seat taken?” Her model asked politely.

Caught unaware, Denise felt the heavy energy resume its place directly between her legs.

“I…um..” She crossed her legs in vain in the effort to appear proper. “Yes…I, please do.” “My thanks.” The black haired model scooted into the booth across from Denise. “What are you having?”

Still unsure that her beauty was sitting across from her, Denise closed her eyes and rubbed her eyes like she was a little tired. “I..I.. a cheeseburger and french fries.” When the scent of lavender didn’t leave the table, Denise reopened her dreamy hazel eyes and smiled. “You’re still here.”

Laughing lightly, her model smiled and nodded. “Why would you think I would leave when I have just sat down with you?”

Denise caught herself staring into the gleaming blue eyes across from her. “It’s surreal is all.” Denise pointed to her model and nibbled on her injured lip. “I just finished looking at your bare form all night, now here you are.” Denise shrugged and saw the waitress look at her then resume her duties. “See, everyone is looking at you.” Denise blushed. “You are beautiful..I..understand why you are a model.”

“Marion. My name is Marion.” Her model stated and slipped off her light blue sweater. “Surreal, is it?” Marion leaned over on the table, “I have it!” Marion laughed and winked one playful blue eye. “Surrealism. The art movement.” She shrugged, “I don’t know much about it.” She pointed playfully while smiling at Denise, “Perhaps you can give me a lesson.”

“Okay…um, thank you..Marion.” Denise fluttered her eyelashes, “What a beautiful name you have.”

Marion tipped her head to one side, “You think it is? I wasn’t quite sure I’d like it..”

“If you’d like it?” Denise raised one of her eyebrows, looking slightly confused.

Waving her hand playfully, Marion laughed once more, “Freudian slip. I meant I wasn’t sure you’d like it.”

“Oh. I guess I’m nervous. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Denise glanced over to the waitress once more. “You must be used to people looking at you like this.” Denise fiddled with the curls in her dusty-blonde hair. “It is a little strange to me, I don’t get many glances.” Marion winked at Denise. “I don’t know why. You are a lovely little morsel.” Marion laughed, “I could just eat you up!” She reached over and lightly pinched Denise’s cheek.

Subconsciously rubbing her cheek after Marion’s tiny outburst, Denise closed her eyes and relived the moment in her head a couple times. “Thank you…” She offered meekly. “You’re welcome dearie. Can I get you anything else?” The waitress offered and refilled Denise’s soda. “I will be right over by the register if you need me.”

“A cherry-coke for my..” Denise opened her eyes and no longer saw Marion across from her, yet her handbag was innocently still on the seat. “...my friend. I am sure she will be right back.”

“I will make it two.” The waitress winked, “Just don’t tell on me, it will be our little secret.”

Unable to fathom her good fortune, Denise managed to shake her head and smile wide. “You are so ki..kind, thank you.”

The waitress patted Denise on the shoulder and then calmly walked back to her station and began making the twin cherry-cokes.

Denise looked around and between the booths in the effort to find Marion shrugged. “Bathroom.” Adding a little squirt of ketchup to her cheeseburger Denise spread the contents over the patty when her waitress came over with two very large cherry cokes.

“I muddled the cherries at the bottom like I do for my kids so you have to drink it to get to the fun part.” The waitress set the two sodas on the table and scribbled something on the check before handing it to Denise. “I’ll take that when you are ready, dear.”

Moments after Denise watched the kind woman return to the register, Marion slipped back into the conversation. “Oh, you got me something to drink?” She reached for the bubbly soda. “That was very kind, thanks!” Marion wrapped her ruby red lips over the candy-striped straw and slowly sipped. “Yummy.” She pointed at Denise, “Have some.”

Denise had chills run across her arms when Marion slid the glass she was using to her. “You..you want me to drink..” Denise saw the print where Marion’s lipstick had covered the straw and felt herself blush once again. “Only a little bit, I don’t want to take it all.”

Marion waited until Denise had started to drink before giggling, “It’s like you just kissed me.” Marion winked and sat back in the booth.

Denise quickly fanned herself with her napkin in the effort to hide the heat that seemed to erupt in her body. “I …Oh…I don’t know if that would be a good thing at all.” Denise pushed the drink from her and touched her lips thinking about the deep red lipstick that could be stuck to her lips. “You..you don’t even know who I am…amon..among other things.”

“Yes I do, silly.” Marion cleared her throat. “Your little friend called You Denise a few times.

The professor called you Miss Crow.” She held up two long thin fingers. “Denise..Crow.” Marion swirled her tongue over the straw once and then sipped lightly on the sugary beverage. “You were going to tell me why this was so surreal.”

Hastily taking a bite of her food, Denise delayed her response as long as possible in order to try and calm her heightened hormones. “Surreal. Yes, I was.” Setting the sandwich on the plate, Denise found her confidence and daintily wiped her lips, “I never expected to see you here, let alone be able to speak to you.” She put down her napkin and sipped again from the same drink as Marion. “So it is unexpected, unusual.” Denise pointed at the sparking blue eyes that seemed to penetrate her mind. “Dreaming. So yes, surreal.”

Marion reached over and touched Denise’s hands. “Not a dream, Denise. I am sitting right here.” Marion smiled and ate one of Denise’s fries. “Naturally I noticed everyone looking at me, they had to..right?” Chuckling lightly, Marion poked Denise’s nose cutely. “You were the only one that ran out, so you got my attention.” Flipping her long shiny hair over her shoulder, Marion’s eyes intently studied Denise. “So, Why did you run out on me for a few minutes?”

Sitting quietly for a few uncomfortable minutes, Denise frantically weighed the different answers she could come up with. No answer except the truth seemed to fit for Denise as the inquisitive blue orbs peered into her soul. Denise leaned closer to Marion so she could whisper, “My first thought was the word amour.” Denise worriedly looked at the woman across from her and sucked on her lip for a couple seconds. “It’s a French word for love that my dad uses all the time…with my mom. He was in France in the war.”

Stealing another french fry, Marion popped the little potato into her mouth and then wiggled her eyebrows. “Seems like a very unusual thing to say about a model, so I agree. Surreal.” Marion winked and then pointed to the door. “Your friend Tatum and her beau are about to walk through the door. Perhaps we can discuss this later? A little more discrete though.” Marion held her finger over her lip and kissed it one time before tapping Denise’s lip with it. “Leave it to me, I will find you.” Marion finished off the cherry-coke, took Denise’s beret and slipped out of the booth with a wink.

Denise heard Tatum and her boyfriend share a quick kiss before the platinum blonde sat down where Marion had been. “Oh, you got me a soda too. Thanks so much Denise.” Tatum smiled and took the unused drink, drinking from it quickly. “Harry is so wonderful.” Tatum commented dreamily. “You look super happy…hey, where’s your beret?”

Still in a little bit of shock and disbelief with the little encounter, Denise quietly tried to remain calm and act normal. Paying the check and tipping the waitress extra for the two drinks, Denise after her and Tatum had left the diner finally spoke. “I took the beret off and stuffed it in my bag.” She pulled out a few extra bobby pins, “It was starting to hurt my head.” Seeing the gleaming smile on Tatum’s face, Denise was relieved that she wouldn’t have to carry on much more of the conversation and moved the topic to Henry. “You said he was wonderful? How?”

Tatum happily started talking about how the two had held hands and quietly kissed a few times before she started hopping up and down. “Denise…you are so lost in your own little world.” She poked her friend's arm as they rounded the art building to the parking lot. “He gave me his letters…I have said it a few times.”

Shaken out of her thoughts of twin blue eyes, Denise laughed and jumped right along with her friend. “That is so..” Denise used Tatum’s word, “...wonderful! That is the promise to engage, I am so happy for you both.”

“I couldn’t believe it Denise! He even got down on his knees, not one knee…both.” Tatum rolled her eyes up and grinned wider, “It was so romantic.”

Although Denise was certainly happy for her friend, she couldn’t remove the burned image of loving blue eyes staring at her. Playing along with the excitement, Denise went along and shook her head with all the repeated happiness that Tatum expressed until the two had made it to their respective vehicles. “Tatum, do you want me to take you home? I don’t mind you know, the fog is getting thicker.”

Waving one hand and kissing the Greek pendant with the other, Tatum shook her head. “I will be fine, Denise. It's only a few miles to Walnut Hill, the mists seldom come out that way these days.”

“I just wanted to be sure.” Denise offered politely but was truly glad Tatum hadn’t taken her up on the offer. “See you tomorrow.” She watched quietly as Tatum got in her car and drove off.

Denise closed her eyes and took a deep breath, thinking about the lovely blue eyes that she’d had the pleasure of seeing most of the night. Smiling to herself, Denise got into her own car and headed towards home. “I will find you….” Denise kept repeating as she drove past the city limits and into the increasingly thick cloud cover once more.

Much like she’d done before, Denise used the radio as her means to drive through the thick mist towards her family farm. Unlike the myriad of unfortunate events slowing her progress getting to school, the drive home was uneventful and she found herself passing by the rusted barbed wire fences her father had put up years before. “Barbed wire..I don’t like it much, I think I will change them.” Denise mindlessly bopped her head and made the turn into her driveway. “Wait…do I want to be a farmer?” She asked herself just as she hit the brake. “Lifelessness..” Denise heard herself say without provocation as an odd shape appeared in the parting mist. First reaching down to scratch the tingle in her palm, Denise lifted her foot off the brake and slowly pulled the car back into its space. “Great. I forgot I tore off.” Denise sighed and grabbed her things before locking the car door behind her.

Spotting that the lights in the house weren’t on, Denise shrugged and headed into the barn where she kept a majority of her artwork.

Relieved when she noticed that all the lights in the house were off, save for the one over the kitchen door, Denise smiled and headed into the barn where she kept a majority of her artwork. “Hopefully he won’t remember in the morning.” She reflected a bit about her parents, “I suppose I am fortunate enough that they let me have the loft as a small studio.” Making her way up the creaky wooden stairs, Denise pulled out her evening's artwork.

“Here you go.” Denise smiled and placed the canvas she’d worked on for the last few hours on her easel. “One side done, what should I do with the other three panels?”

“I think a set of entwined hearts would look lovely beside my eyes.” Marion laughed from the barn door.

With a deep breath in, Denise also jumped then screamed for a split second before clamping her mouth closed with her hands. Wide eyed and shaking, Denise shook her head and blinked a few times in disbelief. “I…How…?” Denise turned to face Marion and her molten blue eyes. “Why?”

“How? Simple. I followed you in a taxi.” Marion leaned on the door with her sweater over her shoulder. “Why? I told you I would find you.” Marion pointed to the makeshift studio, “I love it. Have you slept up here?”

Denise finally felt the shock wear off and nodded to her woman down below. “Dad doesn’t like it much, but mom doesn’t mind. She…she knows I spend lots of time out here.” Denise rolled her eyes, “I..sorry I am being rude.” She motioned to Marion, “Come up if you would like. I know it is rather chilly by the door. I was just about to light the kerosene heater.”

“Since you insist.” Marion smiled and made her way silently up the wood steps. “Two little hearts in the upper right would look great.” Marion mentioned as she stood beside Denise.

Nervously glancing to her right, Denise took in her model and almost lost her footing. Taking a quick step to catch herself from falling, Denise tried to cover up the incident. “I..we are supposed to use the canvas to paint…you.”

Marion walked over to a small reading chair and sat down, crossing her legs. “I can’t have you cheating on the assignment.” She drummed her fingernails on the arms of the chair. “Nothing is stopping us from doing something of our own, while I am here.”

Denise nibbled on her bottom lip a moment, “You want me to paint you here?” She then raised one eyebrow and smiled. “Isn’t that also cheating?”

“That depends…” Marion’s voice gained a bit of sultriness to it. “...on who’s doing the painting.” She winked one of her sharp blue eyes.

Blushing as read as an apple, Denise suddenly realized that Marion was suggesting something much more intimate. “I…we just…”

“Yes. We have just met, Miss Crow.” Marion smiled. “You can’t deny the connection we’ve established ever since you ran out of the classroom.” Leaning to the left side of the chair, Marion released the first two buttons on her blouse. “What would you like to know?” Marion chuckled, “I am willing to bet you know me very well already. Almost like we are one, right?”

Denise had to admit that since Marion had dropped her robe and exposed her perfectly sculpted body, that she’d felt as though the woman were part of her. “I thought you were an officer or something in the military. I just felt it.” Denise paused, “Is it possible to be linked from just one glance?” She closed her eyes and shook her head, fighting the urges and sensations rapidly building in her body. “What if…if…”

“Someone finds out?” Marion shook her head, “There is that risk, but I won’t say anything if you don’t.” She now leaned forward in the hair, exposing the tops of her breasts. “Like you said, I am in the military. I am…” Marion looked at Denise intently, “...A nurse.”

Exactly like in the classroom, beads of sweat formed on Denise’s forehead. “Is…is this…” She nervously bit her lip and hastily stumbled through her next few words. “Do..is…this just a week? Or…um…”

Marion raised one of her long black eyebrows before standing up and mixing paint with her fingers. “Oh, go on and say it, Denise. I know what you want to say.” Marion pulled her fingers free and walked over to Denise, painting a small purple heart on her cheek. “...We have a week. Is it love?...You tell me.” Marion painted another heart on the opposite cheek. “...If love means I want to be with you as much as I can for the next week, explore parts of you that no one else has…and share lifelong secrets…” Marion pressed her lips inside of both hearts leaving a light pink lip print in both. “...Then yes, it is love.”

All it took was for Denise to look once again into the beloved blue eyes. “The heart can’t hide what the eyes provide..” She whispered and leaned forward in the attempt to kiss Marion. Denise’s breath caught in her throat when she felt her model's lips on hers for the first time. Wanting to enjoy the feeling of their first time kissing, Denise started with soft little kisses in different places on Marion’s lips. Unlike the overwhelming need in the classroom, Denise felt her body slowly coming alive with the gentle touches and kissing. She kissed both of Marion’s cheeks like her partner had done a few moments before. “Ohh..mmm..Marion…”

“Yessss…” Marion hissed in delight from her teeth. “No..neeed…ugahh…to ask..”

Nervous pulses of excitement added to the heat that had finally risen within Denise’s tiny frame. Shaking lightly, Denise reached out and slowly slid her hands up and over Marion’s shoulders until she had the taller woman in a light embrace. Unable to restrain and tease herself any longer, Denise pressed her lips onto Marion’s with full loving force. Mildly surprised when Marion responded in kind, Denise relished the simple sensation of the thin layer of wax from both of their lipsticks sticking to one another. Hearing tiny purrs of enjoyment come from Marion’s chest, Denise pressed further and slipped her tongue out looking for its partner. Immediately after Denise had run her hands through the long silky hair of her model, Denise felt Marion’s tongue reach out and twist lightly into her own.

-Potato!-

Denise’s eyes flew open and she started to laugh.

“What is it?” Marion reluctantly pulled out of the kiss and sighed.

Smiling brightly and still laughing, Denise tried to make sense of what just happened. “I..Marion..” She took a breath, “..Tasted the French fry you took from me earlier.”

Snickering right back, Marion mirrored Denise’s smile. “Of all the things for you to taste, you picked the fry.” Marion curved herself close to Denise and moaned lightly into her partner’s ear. “Probably for the best, we are in the open here.” Marion pointed to the open barn doors, “You mentioned a more private place?”

Finally able to stop laughing, Denise took Marion’s hand into her own. “Yes, I have a bed where I crash out on some nights after class.” She shrugged, “I don’t want to wake them up.”

Marion broke free of Denise’s grip and gathered up a few paints before looking back at the artist. “No need to pout. I am coming back into your arms, you know that.” She winked. “I just thought the paint might make things a little more interesting.”

Denise slowly walked backward and into a part of the loft that had been sectioned off to give her privacy and allow her to sleep regardless of what was happening below. Beckoning for Marion to walk through the tiny door, Denise softly closed it until a quiet click echoed in the tiny room. “We are safe enough here, Marion.” Denise took a moment to once more look at her model. “Red and black go so well together.” She mentioned and wiggled her finger at the red button up blouse and black pencil skirt Marion was wearing.

Marion popped a few more buttons open on her blouse and pulled it free from her dress. “Since we are safe enough, right?”

Denise reached behind herself and gently tugged the zipper down that held her dress tightly to her frame. “Y..yes.” Denise pulled her arms free of her dress and held it close to her chest, “I..I still have…um..” She stammered and closed her eyes long enough to form words. “..Why, um..why..”

“Why you?” Marion completed the thought. “Denise.” Marion coaxed. “Why not you? Didn’t we just have a version of this conversation beyond that door?”

When Marion’s gentle and soft voice stopped, Denise opened her eyes. Sweat beaded for a third time on Denise's forehead when she was once more blessed with Marion’s perfectly sculpted body, complete with the same creamy skin she’d remembered. “Marion.” Denise whispered her model's name. “It doesn’t matter, does it?” Denise released her arms and let her green dress drop to the floor.

Marion shook her head and smiled, “No, it doesn’t matter. Right now…” Marion let her own tight skirt fall to the floor, “..A tiny detail.” Marion pointed her painted finger at Denise. “I know you feel it, no matter what…I’ll always be with you.” Marion walked around Denise and unfastened the young artist’s bra, “Allow me..”

Setting her skin ablaze, Denise let out a heated breath as Marion’s hands explored her bare back and the shape of her shoulders. “Marion, yesss…” Denise begged her model’s fingers to keep going. “It’s been so long…”

“I know.” Marion added, “I might leave in a few days, but I am never gone. I’ll always be…” Marion kissed Denise’s shoulder. “A kiss away.”

Denise leaned back into Marion’s arms and pulled her tightly to her own frame. “More..kiss me more.”

“As you wish.” Marion complied and kissed the length of Denise’s shoulder to the base of her neck. “Mmhmm, all the time I sat on that chair, I wanted to do this.”

“I know.” Denise mirrored Marion’s confidence and let out her own little purr from her chest. “I wanted you to do this.” Denise reached up and cupped her own breasts, kneading them softly to every simple press of wax lips on her skin.

Nipping lightly at Denise’s neck, Marion cooed lightly and explored the artist's hips before diving her hand into the soft cotton panties. Curling her fingers through the light hair Denise possessed on her mound, Marion whispered warmly. “Oh..my little De..nise. So warm and inviting..just let me..one little finger, yes?”

Lost in her own fiery mind, Denise somehow managed to push herself into Marion’s hips and sway for a few seconds before resisting the finger prodding below her pantyline. “So..fast..” Denise shook her head and felt her body sweating all over. “Y..you..” Denise panted, “...paints?”

Removing her finger from Denise’s underwear, Marion raked her long nails the length of the artist's body and kissed her lightly when she heard the heavenly moans coming from Denise. “You are right, I did say I wanted to do something with the paint.” Marion rasped gently.

Free from the heat of the moment, Denise stumbled back and bumped into her small bed.

Turning to look at the small mattress, she sat down and scooted back to the head of the bed. Denise fluffed the pillow and put it behind her back and caught the blue eyes eagerly looking at her small body. “I guess it is my turn to pose? What colors suit me best?” Denise playfully asked.

“Well your lovely green dress on the floor captured your shape wonderfully.” Marion rubbed her chin in thought and kept looking at Denise. “So I am thinking green and…”

“Black.” Denise completed Marion’s thought. “...Black is for our equal mystery. You are red…”

“Red?” Marion interjected. “All you do is stare at my eyes, Denise. You are in love with blue.”

Silently scratching her palm, Denise seemed to be in a light trance looking at her model. “Maroon..” She looked down where she was scratching and swore she saw it turning light green, almost as though agreeing with Marion. “Blue and green.” Denise snapped back to herself and smiled at Marion. “Your eyes are something to behold, do you know that?”

“I know.” Marion retrieved the three paints, “I agree with you on the blue.”

Shifting her legs up and down on the bed with anticipation and rising excitement, Denise suckled on her lip and watched Marion mix up the blue so it closely matched her eyes. “I…I was saying that black was our common color. Mystery and Elegance, right?” Denise watched as Marion nodded her head. “Okay..so green for me…” She looked at her hand once more and dismissed the soft light. “...Growth, life..prosperity..” She paused and blew Marion a kiss. “Finally hope. Green is hope.”

Marion pretended to follow the kiss as it traveled in the air and stuck her cheek out to capture it. “What a divine kiss.” She winked and walked to the side of the bed with the three paints. “What about blue?” Marion fluttered her eyes playfully.

“Freedom, wisdom..tranquility.” Denise patted the bed, “I have never felt so calm..tranquil until I looked lovingly into your eyes.” Fluttering her eyes closed once more, Denise puckered her lips and waited a few seconds until the familiar feeling of Marion’s delicate kiss sent waves of renewed heat through her body. “I could kiss you forever.”

“As you wish.” Marion mewled softly close to Denise’s ear. “I think your…choices of color are perfect for us. You have such a loving and artistic mind.” Marion licked and suckled Denise’s tiny earlobe for a second, “Now lay back and pose for me.” Marion took a moment to scan the artist’s body and touched Denise’s burning hot flesh. “Expression is the best form of love, don’t you think, dear artist?”

“I love that we are so connected.” Denise placed her hand over Marion’s. “I never thought anyone could understand me so clearly.” Denise glanced at the paint cups and felt another pulse of heat squarely between her cotton clad nethers. “Please…” Denise quietly whined, “Express your love..”

“Mmm, My pleasure.” Marion teased playfully. Dipping her finger into the black paint, let out a little purr from her chest as she let the pigment drip from her fingertip onto Denise’s breasts.

Cool and refreshing to her overstimulated skin, Denise gasped when the drips landed and rolled across her honey soft rounds. Arching her with anticipation of more droplets, Denise felt her plump breast press into Marion’s finger.

“Oh..mmhmm, now you’ve gone and done it.” Marion tantalized. “You aren’t supposed to move, now I have to wipe it all off and start over.”

Shaking her head back and forth, Denise flopped back onto the bed. “No..no don’t stop. You can…can..” She stuttered desperately, “..can co..correct.” Knowing that she was being slightly tested by her model, Denise made the effort to stop moving. Denise felt her heart pounding through her chest and her legs resisting the compulsion to rest.

“Oh, you want me to fix what has happened?” Marion asked and blew lightly across Denise’s dark nipples. “You like circles more than you like lines…I was trying to make little dots so we could connect them in blue and green to make a nice little sculpture on your body, leading down to..” Marion patted the soft cotton hiding Denise’s sexual center.

Peeking open one of her hazel eyes, Denise managed to focus on Marion’s eyes long enough to gain the ability to think through the flames licking her all over. “You just started and I can’t think, your touch is like magic.” Fighting back a wave of giggles, Denise simply smiled. “Yes, connect the dots.” Denise glanced at her little breasts with light dots splashed on them. “There are only a few streaks, Marion. Don’t st..stop.” Denise took the moment to wiggle out of her panties and sighed in relief when her pussy felt the cool air. Kicking the white garment to the side of the room, Denise once more assumed her position. “Okay.”

Tortuous minutes passed for Denise while Marion carefully applied the black dots in strategic places. “Mhmm…yes..” Denise echoed multiple times as the dots were teasingly dried with bouts of cool air from Marion. “My god…Marion…yes baby…” Denise bit down on her lip to fight the urge to move. “Please..tell me you are al…almost…” Sweating to the point where her body was glistening, Denise lifted her head enough to give a pleading look into her model's blue eyes.

Marion smiled and blew air over Denise’s liquid covered form. “Yes, dear. I am nearly complete. Lots of curves and arches to compliment what you like and how your body flows.” Marion winked. “I am so glad that you don’t have a mirror.” Marion winked and kissed one of Denise’s hands. “Allow me. Blue and transition into green.” Marion suckled Denise’s index finger, swirling her tongue lightly around the small digit. “Your sweat is all over everything..sweet and salty..” Marion purred.

Already heated beyond what she’d experienced before, Denise shivered and squirmed on the bed when Marion’s warm mouth clamped over her finger. “Fffthhhh…oh god yessss…” Denise sucked in between her teeth and clenched her legs shut and ground against her puffy nethers. “M..Marion…pleasssseee..”

Popping Denise’s finger free, Marion dipped the same finger into the blue paint. “Now then..How many curves and loops can we paint on this beautiful body of yours before you beg me to crawl between your legs?” Marion kissed one of Denise’s knees.

“I should beg you now.” Denise playfully huffed and let Marion move her finger across her skin. “Are you making a flower petal?” Denise closed her eyes and followed the subtle moves across her body, “Mmm.. you were careful weren’t you?”

Marion brushed her lips lightly over one of Denise’s dark nipples, “So tender and stifff…” She hissed lovingly. “Should I?...” Marion darted the tip of her tongue out and flicked the little nub once.

Grinning wide as she watched Marion close in on her stiff nipple, Denise felt her body tense a fraction of a second before she felt the overwhelming sensations ripple through her body. “Yes…you certainly should…Ma…” Denise stopped mid sentence when Marion pulled the ripe bud into her mouth, rolling it gently around her tongue. “Damm….god…yes…oh my…” Denise rattled off as she felt the soft suckling that came after.

Marion kept her pressure for a couple more moments before taking a cool breath in and releasing Denise’s perky peak. “That isn’t begging, my sweet.” Marion laughed and dipped Denise’s finger back in the blue paint, connecting another series of dots. “You also asked me if I was making you a flower?”

“Mmhmm..” Denise replied still in a half daze. “Do I really need to beg? You seemed to enjoy that just now…” Denise giggled and with her free hand, pinched one of her aching tips. “I…would prefer it if you did this…” Denise murmured and moaned as she increased the pressure herself.

Switching the color on Denise’s hand to green, Marion slid her lover’s finger across her slick body, connecting the dots and half smearing the paint. “My word..so much heat coming from your tummy, creating your lovely musk and slick sheen.” Marion growled teasingly. With a pigmented loop around Denise’s belly button, Marion filled in the gap with another rosy print from her lips. “Hmmm, darling. That still wasn’t begging.” Finally blending the two colors into a rich teal, Marion began to connect the final dots. “I suspect you know where this will end.”

Fire pulsed non-stop through Denise’s body the moment Marion mentioned that the end of the art was near. “Marion…please Marion..love me…” She pleaded while her skin prickled with the last of the paint being spread across her hips to the light tuft of musky hair between her legs.

“There we go…Denise. The words I have wanted to hear all night. I will always love you.” Marion wiped streaks of blended teal down the length of Denise’s legs before crawling onto the bed. “Let me do this, you’ve already asked.” Marion tenderly offered as she kissed her way up Denise’s inner thighs.

Intoxicated with the myriad of sensations that had her body buzzing, Denise’s mind gladly bounced from place to place. Her heart pounded in her chest, sending scorching blood throughout. Her breasts ached from her desperate breathing. Her legs quivered under the relentless pressure of Marion’s lips. Her nipples drove spikes of pleasure to her cunny with every tug.

Arching her back, Denise let her breasts free and gripped the bed when Marion’s kissing parted her folds and lapped gingerly into her sexual pool. Denise desperately panted and pushed her hips down harder against Marion’s face. “Oh…god…yes…take me…” Denise pleaded as both of her wet folds were licked clear of their musky essence.

“Come on my sweeeet..” Marion rattled her tongue across Denise’s plump petals.

Shivering and still trying to get a complete breath, Denise cried out in ecstasy when Marion’s finger nudged its way into her small hole and plunged deeply within her. “Fuck…Yes….” Denise rolled her ‘S’s and squirmed as Marion twisted her finger inside. “More..Mar…MMarion.” Denise sucked on her lip again and pushed herself down harder, grinding her hips to increase the tempo.

“You miss my lips, my sweet?” Marion teased and swirled her tongue over Denise’s clit.

Releasing the mattress, Denise gripped Marion’s long silky black hair and guided her model straight to her cunny. “I miss it…I want to…” Denise’s voice came out broken and desperate. “..to..cum…all over…”

“Oh my! Aren’t you a dirty little artist?” Marion relinquished and collapsed her molten mouth over Denise’s tight, wet womanhood.

Intolerable pressure built up across Denise’s small frame. Starting from the top of her tummy, Denise felt her muscles go taut and release in succession until the wave of pressure circled around Marion’s thrusting finger and thrashing tongue. A singular heartfelt feminine whine coupled with the sensation of a spring being released, Denise felt her body let go and love’s sweet lava flowed across Marion’s waiting tongue.

Moments after the rush, Denise’s head remained spinning though she’d taken some drug. Lost in the convulsions of her orgasm, Denise barely took notice of Marion laying beside her and running her hands over her wet skin. “You are my glow-flower.” Marion softly pressed her lips to Denise’s.

Giggling with the aftershocks still making her legs twitch, Denise noticed that Marion had struck the same pose as she did in the classroom. “Mmm..my model. Posing for me again?” Denise ran her hands in Marion’s long hair, “You did paint a flower on me…I knew it.” Denise whispered and trailed little kisses on Marions chin. “Will you stay the night…I… don’t want to be alone.”

“I am all yours, Denise.” Marion whisked away a sweaty strand of hair from Denise’s eyes. “I will stay as long as I can..sleep now, Loved One.”