The Siren Personified

by Di

With a guest writing appearance by Chelsea Mayfair

The day dawned full of bright sunlight and the promise of a beautiful day. Ricky slowly forced open one eye and then the other. A smile crossed his face as memories of the dream the night before began to surface.

Although he still had not seen the face of the "Siren", he had heard her voice clearly. The English accent was hard to mistake. Ricky knew in his heart that she truly existed. Just as he had known that he and Marina would be together some day, he knew the time was close that he would meet his "Siren".

Thinking of Marina made him frown as he acknowledged to himself that their life together was coming to an end. Things had changed, and even though they had tried to make a happy life together, they had grown apart. He now knew that they would have to move on. It would have been funny if it hadn't been so sad, he thought, remembering all that he had gone through to make her fall in love with him. And she had, but now the time had come to realize that it was not enough.

Guiltily he glanced towards Marina's side of the bed, only to find it empty. The bedclothes had not been disturbed, and the pillow held no indentations to show that her head had rested there during the night. Instead, he saw a folded sheet of paper placed carefully against the pillow with "Ricky" written boldly on the front.

He reached for the paper, unfolded it and hesitantly began to read:

"Dear Ricky, we both know that our lives have been drifting apart for several months. I know you thought if you could just make me love you that we could live our lives together forever. You convinced me that that was true. But we were wrong. You are looking for something that you did not find with me, and I cannot watch while you search for the woman in your dreams. I have taken the car and left money for you on the dresser. When you know where you will be staying, you can contact Lola and she will ship your things. I hope you find what you are looking for. Love, Marina"

Sadness overwhelmed him. It took several minutes for the realization that she was gone to sink in. Marina had been the focus of his life for many months, even before he kidnapped her. It was hard to realize that this part of his life had ended. Suddenly, however, he felt the sadness replaced by a new emotion . . . relief.

Ricky tossed back the covers, rose from the bed and walked to the dresser. There he found his return airline ticket and enough money to last him a few days. The room rent was paid for one more night, but he would need to make arrangements after that. He tugged on his jeans, grabbed his shaving kit and towel and headed down the hallway toward the bathroom.

Fifteen minutes later he emerged with a new outlook, determined to find a way to stay here in Bath. He couldn't explain it, but he knew fate had brought him to this place for a reason. Ricky slipped his muscular legs into a clean pair of faded jeans, standing to pull them up over his hips. He tucked in his red T-shirt, grabbed the cash and airline ticket from the dresser, hooked his Walkman onto his belt and left the room.

With the exuberance of a twelve year old, Ricky searched the house for the elderly owner, finally catching sight of her kneeling beside a small flower garden in the back yard. She was totally unaware of his presence as he walked up behind her. Not wanting to startle her, he cleared his throat to get her attention.

"Ahem".

When she didn't turn, Ricky tried again, this time a little louder.

"Ahem!"

Still the elderly woman continued to work the bedding soil surrounding the flowering plants, completely oblivious to his presence.

Ricky reached down and lightly tapped her shoulder, smiling as she slowly turned to face him. He knew it was a difficult chore for her to rise. Ricky squatted close to her and said brightly, "Good morning, Mrs. Stowe! Could I talk with you for a minute?"

She smiled back. "Certainly! If you could please help me up, we could talk over a nice cup of tea!"

Ricky took the frail hand that she offered and helped the woman slowly to her feet. Together they walked toward the house as they discussed the beautiful flowers and trees surrounding the house. It was evident that she tended them daily with loving care.

As Mrs. Stowe fixed the tea, Ricky wandered from room to room actually seeing them for the first time. By the time the teapot whistled, he had a proposition ready to discuss with her. She set the tea and a sweet roll in front of him, and Ricky began to present his idea.

"Your house is beautiful, but there are many things that need painting or repair. I am very experienced at this type of work. Things did not work out with my girlfriend. She is gone. I would like to stay, at least for a few days, but I do not have much money. I could do this work for you. All I would ask is that you allow me to stay here for a few more days."

The old woman looked sadly into his eyes. "You are right. There are so many things that I can no longer take care of. Being on such a limited budget, I cannot afford to pay someone else to do them. But I am afraid I have already rented that room after tonight!"

Not willing to see this opportunity slip through his fingers, Ricky quickly replied, "I do not need the big fancy room I stayed in last night. Just a small place to sleep and put my things would be payment enough."

The woman pondered for a few seconds. "Well, there is the old caretaker's apartment over the carriage house, but no one has stayed there for years. It would need some cleaning . . ."

Ricky didn't allow the woman finish the statement. "I can do that! I can start right now!"

Smiling at his enthusiasm, the old woman rose from the table slowly and crossed the room to a board where several keys hung. After selecting one, she returned to the table and reached to place the key in front of Ricky.

"There is an outside staircase that leads to the room above the carriage house. I haven't been up there in years. You finish your breakfast and I'll get some cleaning things for you."

A few minutes later she stood at the kitchen window, watching as Ricky crossed the yard armed with a broom, mop and a bucket of rags and cleansers. She smiled as he took the steps two at a time, and realized how happy she was that he had decided to stay. Ricky was like a breath of fresh air. She was not surprised that things had not worked out with the woman he had arrived with. There had been something about that woman's superior attitude that made her feel ill at ease, especially contrasted with Ricky's friendly and outgoing manner.

Turning back to the table, she gathered the empty teacups and carried them to the sink, surprised to find herself humming a happy little tune.

###

As he climbed the steps, Ricky noticed several boards in need of repair once he was finished cleaning the room and moving his things. He reached the top of the steps and stooped to set down the bucket of cleaning supplies. Leaning the mop and broom against the railing, he inserted the key into the lock and pushed open the door.

Dust motes flew as a gust of air blew into the room. Ricky entered and saw that Mrs. Stowe had been right. This was going to take a lot of work. Even before flicking on the light, he could see the apartment consisted of one room containing a twin bed on one side and a sofa and chair on the other. A doorway led to a small bathroom. It was evident that room had been added many years after the original structure had been built.

Ricky drew in a deep breath, brought in the cleaning supplies and began tackling the dust and dirt that had accumulated over the years. He worked for more than two hours before he heard Mrs. Stowe call his name from the bottom of the stairs. Stepping outside, he saw her standing there holding sheets, blankets and towels.

"Can you take these? I have lunch ready if you want to take a break," she called up.

Ricky descended the steps quickly and reached out for the linens she handed him. Taking the old woman by surprise, he kissed her cheek before turning to run back up the steps yelling, "I'll be there in a minute!" Blushing like a schoolgirl, she slowly made her way back towards the main house, shaking her head in amusement as she went.

###

After a full day of sweeping, scrubbing and polishing, Ricky stood back with his hands on his hips and surveyed his handiwork with satisfaction. The bed was neatly made, windows sparkled and the bathroom fixtures gleamed. In fact, the small place looked very homey and inviting. With pride he suddenly realized that for the first time in his life he was on his own.

Ricky squared his shoulders and with a determined set of his chin, he reminded himself that the judge had declared that he was 'normal' and he was going to prove to everyone that this was true.

###

Waking the next morning, it took him several minutes to remember where he was. He rubbed his eyes, bringing the room into focus. He stretched the muscles in his arms and legs, and realized that he didn't remember having the dream. Something lingered in his mind, however. Rather than the sound of her voice, it was more like an image...or a vision. Unable to capture the memory, he shook his head and threw back the covers.

Water pelted him in the shower seconds later, his mind ticking off the list of items he wanted to take care of for Mrs. Stowe that day. She had given him detailed directions to the hardware store, assuring him that she would call the storekeeper to see that Ricky got anything he needed and to let them know that the items were to be billed to her account.

Ricky wrapped a towel around his waist, and quickly finished shaving and brushing his teeth before placing the damp towel on the rack to dry. Naked, he walked back into the main room and rummaged through his duffel bag until he found his last clean shirt and underwear. After tugging on his jeans and tying his tennis shoes, he quickly stuffed his dirty clothes back into the duffel bag. Mrs. Stowe had convinced him to let her wash his clothes since she was doing laundry that day anyway and a few more items would make no difference.

Thundering down the steps, he whistled loudly as he crossed the yard to the main house. Smells of fresh coffee and frying bacon drifted towards him, and he quickened his pace. He opened the door to see the table set for two. He flashed a huge smile at the elderly woman as she turned from the stove with a plate full of bacon, eggs and toast.

"Sit! Sit! You are just in time! You need a good breakfast with all the things you were talking about doing today!" She set the plate in front of him and moved to bring the coffee pot to the table.

Ricky picked up a fork and dug into the food as if he hadn't eaten in weeks. Within minutes the plate was clean. He reached for the coffee pot to fill his cup one last time before they began their tour of the house, deciding which items to take care of first.

An hour later, music blasting through the headphones of his Walkman, Ricky strolled toward the hardware store, list in hand. On the way he couldn't help admiring the beautiful architecture of the stone buildings and resolved to take some time to really see this beautiful city once he finished with the work at the bed and breakfast.

Rounding the corner at the intersection of St. Saviours Road and Lambridge, he saw the sign proclaiming that he had arrived at Langbridge Home Hardware. A bell tinkled as he pushed open the door.

Ricky glanced quickly around the store and noticed several other customers scattered throughout the aisles. The clerk was standing behind the checkout counter, unoccupied and looking bored. Ricky smiled as he approached the counter and addressed him haltingly in his heavily accented English.

"Excuse me, sir. I would need help finding the items on this list. Would you be able to assist me?"

The clerk gave him an irritated look, but held out his hand for the list. After reading through it, he began gathering the items from various areas throughout the store, returning to stack them next to the cash register.

Ricky turned to lean against the counter, pushing his hands deep into the front pockets of his jeans. He casually began to look around the store, knowing he would probably have to make several visits here over the next few days when he needed more supplies. From the clerk's attitude, it was apparent any future visits would be easier if he could find the items needed without his help.

He scanned the store until he found his attention suddenly drawn to a woman standing in the house wares section. Although her back was to him, a tremendous feeling of déjà vu hit Ricky, a sense of familiarity that was almost overwhelming. He found himself staring until he was interrupted when clerk returned with the last item on his list.

"How would you like to pay for these? Cash or credit?"

"I believe Mrs. Adeline Stowe called your store and told them that I would be charging these items to her account."

Rummaging through a stack of phone messages, the man behind the counter apparently found what he was looking for. "Are you Ricky?" The clerk gave him the once over, seemingly convinced that he was trying to pull a fast one and reluctant to let him leave without full payment in cash.

"Yes, I am Ricky. I am staying with Mrs. Stowe and doing repairs at her bed and breakfast. These are the supplies I need to do that work."

Resignedly, the clerk began to ring up the items and place them in a large paper bag. Just as the last item was dropped in the bag, Ricky heard the tinkle of the bell. He turned just in time to see the woman he had been watching earlier walk away from the door and down the street.

Ricky grabbed the bag of supplies, and had almost reached the door when he heard the clerk call out, "Hey!!! You need to sign this charge slip for those!"

Quickly he returned to the counter, scrawled his name. He rushed through the door into the street only to find that the woman had disappeared from view. With an inexplicable sense of loss, Ricky turned and made his way back to the chores that awaited him at the bed and breakfast.

###

Many of the non-cosmetic items had been repaired; the railings on the back porch had been secured, the steps to the room above the carriage house replaced, stubborn locks now locked and creaky hinges now moved silently.

Today Ricky and Mrs. Stowe sat next to each other at the kitchen table comparing the paint samples he picked up at the hardware store during yesterday's trip. They decided on an off white with a peachy glow for the dining room and a soft yellow for the kitchen. Ricky gathered the paint samples they had chosen, adjusted his headphones and began the walk to the store.

He had been to the hardware several times since that first trip. Each time he hoped that this would be the day she would be in the store again. Each time he had returned disappointed. To keep his hopes from rising, he chided himself as he walked. What did he know about her anyway? He had never even seen her face!

Ricky completed his business and was headed back armed with cans of paint, brushes and paint thinner. There had only been two other customers in the store while he was there. Neither had been the woman with dark hair, and again felt disappointment wash over him.

For the first time since coming to Bath, Ricky questioned his decision to stay. Passing a small plaza, he moved toward an empty bench, set his purchases down and sat to watch a group of children as they cavorted near a small fountain. After several minutes of watching their playful antics, he found himself smiling at their games.

Glancing past the children, his eyes suddenly locked with those of a woman standing in an open doorway across the plaza. The smile disappeared from his face and, almost as if drawn by a powerful magnet, Ricky felt himself rise from the bench. Even from this distance he knew it was the woman from the hardware store as he recognized her dark hair with the distinctive gray streak in front. Ricky moved across the plaza, their gaze never wavering until the woman suddenly turned and walked through a doorway without another glance.

The second she disappeared through the door, Ricky felt as if a spell had been broken. He found himself standing confused in the middle of the plaza. Visibly upset, he walked back to the bench, gathered his purchases and started home.

###

Mrs. Stowe stood at the kitchen window and watched the young man as he pushed the mower from one side of the yard to the other. Concern etched her face. The happy, easy-going young man had disappeared and been replaced by the troubled young man she watched now who appeared to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Ricky finished the last turn around the lawn and returned the mower to its storage place in the carriage house. As he slammed the doors shut, he came to a decision. He couldn't do anything about the dreams, which had returned stronger and more demanding than ever in his sleep, but he sure as hell could do something about the thoughts of the woman in the plaza that plagued his waking hours. Determined, he ran up the steps to his room.

Emerging from the shower several minutes later, Ricky toweled off quickly and grabbed a clean shirt and jeans from the stack of laundry Mrs. Stowe had sent back with him last night. He was still tucking the ends of his shirt into his jeans when he thundered back down the steps. Chin in the air, he began the walk to the plaza, determined to finally talk to this woman he couldn't seem to get out of his mind.

When Ricky arrived at the plaza, he quickly crossed to the door he had seen her disappear into the day before. He raised his hand to knock, but immediately felt his resolve wane. How could he explain to her that he felt he knew her? That she had been in his thoughts since the first day at the hardware store? Ricky took a step back from the door, and his chin lowered to his chest as he realized how crazy it sounded, even to him.

Before he could turn to leave, the door suddenly burst open. He felt paralyzed as the woman reached out, grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him inside. Kicking the door shut with her foot, Alison pushed Ricky against the wall and pulled his head down to meet hers as she murmured, "Where the bloody hell have you been?! I've been calling you for months!" and crushed her lips to his.

Ricky pushed the woman back so he could catch his breath. "You... have been calling me? So I wasn't imagining it?"

"Of course, you weren't imagining it, Ricky! I wanted you with me, but I didn't know exactly where you were… so I called to you while you slept…"

"But…" Any further conversation was abandoned as Alison moved forward again. Ricky's hands caressed her body as her tongue invaded his mouth, slowly exploring the interior. He felt as if he had been waiting for this moment for months…years. Alison's mouth moved down his face to his neck. She sucked on the pulse point there as her hands pulled his long-sleeved red shirt free of his pants.

Ricky grabbed her hands. "Espera… Wait!"

Alison paused, looking up. "What is it?"

"I don't know anything about you - you don't know anything about me…"

She disentangled her hands and reached up to caress his face. "I know that your name is Ricky and I've been dreaming about you for a long time. I didn't even know where you were - only that you and I are meant to be together." She moved her body against his suggestively. "You and I have been making love in my mind long enough…" She stood back and grabbed his shirt again, stripping it off in one motion.

Alison's voice was hypnotizing Ricky; it was as if his dream had come true. She was standing before him, offering him everything he'd imagined when he heard her voice in the night. He couldn't remember why he had hesitated. He allowed her to unbuckle his belt and two sets of hands worked frantically on the buttons of his jeans, pushing them down and off. Alison sank to her knees, looking up at Ricky with a mixture of awe and lust in her dark eyes.

Before Ricky could join her on the floor, she moved forward and grabbed his cock, stroking gently before wrapping her lips around the head. Moaning, Ricky leaned back against the wall for support. Reaching down, he entangled his hands in her hair as she swallowed more of him. Her hot breath against his groin, along with the feel of her hands as they caressed his balls, was almost more than he could endure. He had to remind himself to breathe.

Ricky was close to orgasm very quickly. Just when he was about to explode, Alison stopped. She grabbed his hands and pulled him down to sit beside her on the floor. He stripped her loose dress off, and then reached around her to fumble with the hooks on her bra. He removed the lacy garment to reveal her large, firm breasts. Lowering his head, he teased a nipple with his tongue, nipping lightly with his teeth and eliciting a lush moan.

Alison's hands were on the back of Ricky's head, entreating him to continue his oral exploration of her breasts. He pushed her panties down and out of the way, moving his hand back up to find her center. He was surprised at how wet she was already. "I told you I've been waiting for you," she breathed, as she lay back and pulled him over on top of her. "I want you inside me… Now!"

Ricky stretched out on the carpet, enjoying the feel of his lover writhing beneath him. Her legs were spread wide, her knees bent and her feet on the floor. Shifting up on his knees, he used his hand to guide his hard shaft into her slowly…

Alison was having none of it. She gripped Ricky's small, tight ass and pulled him forward swiftly, filling herself with him completely in one motion. They both cried out and started moving together, as if they had done this many times before. He covered Alison's face with kisses as he thrust into her.

Ricky could feel himself getting near the edge again. Closing his eyes, he moved faster… harder…

Without warning, Alison spoke into his ear. "Stop for a minute, love…" He thought he'd imagined hearing her voice until she spoke again. "Can we change positions, please?"

"Wha…" Ricky opened his eyes and looked down.

"Let me show you…" Ricky sat back and watched Alison shift over to kneel on the floor. She smiled at him out of the corner of her eye. "Come on, Ricky. This is my favorite position…"

Laughing softly, Ricky moved to kneel behind his lover. He entered her again as she leaned forward, pillowing her head on her arms. Once again, they immediately moved together perfectly.

Despite his intention to take it slow and make it last, he could feel his orgasm building yet again. Reaching down, he found her clit and massaged it gently. Their moans turned into screams as they thrust together once, twice, three more times, before collapsing together, their bodies entangled together on the floor.

Only when his breathing was close to normal again did Ricky look around. The room was small and dark, even though it was mid-afternoon. There didn't appear to be any furniture. "What is this place? Is it your home?"

Alison shook her head. "It's just a room…"

He pulled back and looked at her. "I don't understand…"

Propping her head on her hand, Alison looked down at Ricky. "I don't really understand it myself, and I've been coming here for a while. I feel close to you when I'm here. I know you can hear me when I call to you. The outside world can't touch us when we're here…"

"So…" Ricky spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully, "this place isn't real?"

"It's real enough." Reaching out her hand, she stroked her fingertips over his face and into his hair. "But I am the only person who can enter. Me and anyone I invite to come in here with me…"

Pulling her close, Ricky brought his lips close to her ear. "And I am invited, right?"

"You'll know when I'm here, love. But right now, I have to leave." Alison brushed his lips softly in a quick kiss, untangled her legs from his, rose and reached for the clothing that had been strewn about the room. Once her dress settled over her body, she watched as Ricky struggled to pull up the tight jeans, admiring the way the denim stretched tightly over his perfectly shaped ass.

They stood together at the door moments later. Alison reached up to stroke his cheek. "I'm not sure what this place is, Ricky. I only know that you have to promise to never come here unless I call you. Do you promise? You have to promise! There is something mystical about this place. Everything in me tells me it has to be this way, or something terrible will happen. Promise me you'll wait for my call and never come here uninvited! Please…" her last words tumbled out mixed with a sob.

Ricky could see the fear in her eyes. "I promise! I do not want to lose you after searching for you for so long!"

Fingers twisted into her hair, pulling her closer to him. His arm shot out to wrap itself around her waist, holding her against his lean body like an iron band. Her mouth opened in surprise at his sudden forcefulness, only to be covered immediately by his. The kiss was long and hard, leaving her breathless and full of animal desire.

A small smile crossed Ricky's face as he looked down at the dazed woman in front of him. "Call me?"

She nodded mutely as she watched him walk out the door.

###

Something had changed once again, Mrs. Stowe thought as she watched Ricky turning the soil for a new flowerbed. The man who shared her breakfast table that morning was happier than she had seen him since he arrived in Bath. If she didn't know better, she would think he had met a woman! Impossible, she thought. He works all day and disappears into his room at night. Where would he meet someone?

Ricky reached into the warm earth and absentmindedly broke apart several large dirt clumps with his fingers. He could barely believe that last night had happened. Surely she would call for him tonight, and within hours these same fingers would be stroking over the smoothness of her skin!

Keeping busy made the hours fly by. Darkness fell, finding Ricky showered, shaved and waiting for the unmistakable call of his 'siren'. Sitting there in anticipation, the minutes seemed like hours. Tired from the hard work he had done during the day, Ricky's head tilted back against the sofa, his eyes closed and he began to snore softly.

Fifteen minutes later, his eyelids flew open and the soft lips curved into a huge grin. The glass in the door rattled as he slammed it in his hurry to answer the voice that had once again called to him in his sleep.

Half running, he covered the distance quickly and arrived at door slightly out of breath. A movement at the window caught his eye as the curtain fluttered back into place. She had been watching for him, as anxious to see him again as he was to see her. The door flew open and Ricky walked inside, reaching for the woman who stood there.

Lips crushed together in frenzied desire as hands moved quickly to discard any piece of clothing that came between them. The outside world ceased to exist. Once again, the walls rang with the sound of desire until the emptiness of the room echoed with the animal cries of fulfilled passion.

Ricky rolled onto his back, pulling Alison close into the curve of his body. "I'm so glad you called," he whispered into her hair. Alison's index finger trailed from his earlobe along the curve of his jaw to his chin. She began to trace the soft lines of his lips. Ricky opened his mouth to capture it within the warm confines of his mouth. Her finger held in his clenched teeth, Ricky managed to mumble, "Tomorrow…"

Alison pulled her finger from his teeth, placed her hand on his chest and raised herself to look into his eyes. "Ricky, I will not be here tomorrow. I have another life, love. One that does not always allow me to come and go as I please. I have responsibilities, people who depend on me. What we have is….well, it's what we have. I cannot promise you more."

"I do not need more! I just need to know that you will be here when you call me!" Ricky pulled her back into the curve of his arms, tilting her head back for his kiss. The shadow of another life was cast aside as the two bodies met once again, leaving them both satisfied and contented.

Disentangling herself from his arms and legs, Alison reached for the dress that lay in a heap on the floor. Ricky watched as she pulled it over her head and handed him his jeans. She slipped her bare feet into her sandals, leaning against the wall to watch as he struggled to pull the tight jeans over his hips. Ricky pushed his feet into his sneakers, bending at the waist to tie the laces. Alison shifted slightly to get the best view of his taunt backside as he leaned over, an approving smile crossing her face.

At the door, Ricky held her close. "You're sure you can't be here tomorrow?"

"I'm sure, Ricky. I have a commitment. Don't come here looking for me! Remember, you promised me that you would never come here until you heard me call you! Promise me again! Promise!" Her beseeching eyes burned into the amber ones that looked down at her.

"But what would happen if…"

"I don't know! I just know it would change things! Please, Ricky, you promised!"

Ricky shook his head, not fully understanding but wanting to put an end to the distress he saw on her face. Cupping her chin in his hand, he lowered his lips to hers as he whispered softly, "I promise." A relieved sign escaped her lips just as their tongues met, bringing a new dimension to the kiss.

Reluctantly, Alison broke away, pushing at Ricky's chest. "You have to go. I'll call you as soon as I can."

He grabbed the hand that still rested on his chest, raising it to kiss the backs of her fingers. Backing slowly away, his eyes held hers as he reached the door. Ricky walked several feet down the plaza before he chanced a glimpse over his shoulder to see her standing in the doorway. Spinning quickly, he gave her a quick bow and a wave before resuming his trek back to the lonely room above the carriage house.

###

The following weeks settled into a somewhat uneasy routine. Each day was filled with strenuous work as Ricky found odd jobs here and there, working for various homeowners and merchants in town. Each evening was spent in anticipation of Alison's call. She made a point of telling Ricky if there was something that would prevent her from meeting him so that he wouldn't worry.

They both relished the fervor and excitement of their surreptitious meetings. The sex was wild and uninhibited, the depth of their feeling disclosed in every touch, every sigh. Lying together, Ricky would tell Alison stories of his life, finally giving her the details of his time with Marina. It never crossed his mind that Alison was not providing him with details of her life in return.

Inevitably their time together would end and they would be forced to say their goodbyes. Their parting words never varied. Alison would reach to pull his ear close to her lips and she would ask, "You promise?" Ricky would kiss her forehead and answer, "I promise." Neither of them knew the consequences of breaking this promise, neither of them wanted to challenge the fates and find out.

###

Ricky stood just inside the dimness of the carriage house, replacing the tools he had used. A little painting here and there, a little carpentry, and some yard work all managed to bring in a little money. Ricky smiled to himself as he remembered the look on Mrs. Stowe's face a few minutes earlier when he pressed the crinkled bills he had been paid for fixing the neighbor's fence into her hand. He waved off her protestations, kissed her cheek, chuckling as he crossed the yard to the carriage house.

The extra nails emptied from his pockets, Ricky wiped his hands on the front of his jeans. He stepped out into the twilight, shut and latched the carriage door and pounded up the steps to shower and shave. His muscles screamed from exhaustion, but his mind willed them to respond. The excitement of seeing Alison began to build, amplified by the fact that she had not been able to meet with him for the past two nights. Ricky couldn't help but be jealous when her 'other life' interfered, but he immediately forgot their time apart the second he saw her standing in the doorway, beckoning him to enter their 'special place'.

Darkness fell as Ricky settled onto the bed, waiting for Alison's call. Eyelids drooped as long, black lashes rested against the softness of his cheeks. Memories of the past weeks invaded his dreams, causing the corners of his mouth to rise in a slight smile as he slept.

The insistent chirping of birds outside his window slowly dragged Ricky from a deep sleep. As consciousness returned, he quickly glanced around the room. She hadn't called! Ricky's face showed the gambit of emotions that were racing through him; confusion, anger, worry, despair. Why hadn't she called? If she wasn't going to be there, why hadn't she told him? What if something had happened to her? Oh my god, what if she HAD called and he simply hadn't heard her?

Ricky paced the room, his hands rubbing over his close-cropped hair. Back and forth he paced as scenario after scenario ran through his mind. It had to be a misunderstanding! It just had to be!

With legs that felt like lead, he trudged down the steps and across the yard to the main house. Mrs. Stowe looked up as he entered the kitchen and took his place at the table. The meal was eaten in silence, the only words spoken a quiet 'thank you' as Ricky left.

She stood at the sink and watched as he slowly crossed the yard. Ricky stopped to pull a beautiful pink rose from one of the bushes that lined the house. He held it in front of him, examining it as if he had never seen anything like it before. Mrs. Stowe cringed, seeing the look of hurt in his face when he crumpled the beautiful flower and tossed it angrily away.

The day was interminable. Ricky spent the hours trying to convince himself somehow he had misunderstood Alison. Surely she would call tonight! There was no way he would have misunderstood her if she told him they wouldn't see each other for four nights!

The stress of the day, mixed with the anxiety of possibly missing her call, made sleep almost impossible. Ricky tossed and turned as he struggled to push away the thoughts that raced through his mind. He knew it was easier for Alison to call him when he was asleep, but he was so fearful of missing her call, he found himself fighting that very sleep.

Bedclothes tangled with his legs as he flipped from one side to the other. Finally, he tossed the covers onto the floor, got up and crossed to the couch. Ricky sat there, forcing himself to stare at a small knothole in the doorframe. The monotony of that one focused action allowed sleep to move in. Chin resting on his chest, Ricky finally fell asleep.

It wasn't the chirping of birds that finally woke Ricky. It was the sound of raindrops hitting the roof above him. The dimness in the room gave no clue as to the time. Convinced he had only slept a few minutes, Ricky stood and crossed to the small window where he could see Mrs. Stowe moving about in her kitchen.

Panicked, he grabbed the small clock and stared in disbelief. He hadn't slept for only a few minutes! He had slept through the night! Fear gripped him as he grabbed a light jacket that hung beside the door and ran down the steps.

Rain pelted his face as he ran blindly. He hadn't misunderstood! Something was wrong! Water splashed his legs as he stepped in the puddles that had formed. The streets were deserted as he passed building after building.

Ricky finally stopped when he reached the edge of the plaza. He wiped the rain from his eyes and looked up to stare at what had been their 'special place'. There was no Alison waiting for him with a smile in the doorway or peeking at him through the small window. There was no doorway. There was no window. What met his gaze was a solid stucco wall that gave no evidence that their 'special place' had ever existed.

Cries of "NO!!!!!!" split the silence as Ricky pounded his fists into the blank wall. Like a recording, Alison's warnings played over and over in his mind as he heard, "Promise me you'll never come here uninvited. Something bad will happen."

Ricky's tears blended with the rain as he slid to his knees in the street. Sobs he didn't recognize as his own racked his body and he curled himself into a tight ball. In his mind, his sobs were joined by the matching sobs of a woman.

Untold time passed before Ricky raised his head and shouted to the skies, "Alison! What's happening? Where are you?"

A voice, distant but clear, answered his call. All hopes of a future disappeared when he heard the next words uttered in that distinct English accent, heavy with anguish and regret.

"You promised."