The View From the Hill at Twilight

PROLOGUE

The hilltop was fairly open, only a few sparse trees to block the view. There was just one large, very old maple right at the top, towering over anything else close by. The sun was just at the edge of the horizon but the thick clouds hid the orb itself, while still letting its fiery colors infect their edges. A little farther to the north the clouds were more gray with just the slightest touch of reddish orange but were often set off by flashes of distant heat lightning. It was a hot, damp July evening, high in the eastern Kentucky mountains. Perhaps the distant clouds promised the chance of a cooling thunderstorm before morning. The "red sky at night" of the distant clouds was probably a little far away to accurately predict good weather before the dawn. The wind had dropped with only the occasional slight zephyr to interrupt the damp heat. Fireflies were starting to rise from the grass, flashing their answers to the invitations of their mates on the ground below. Otherwise the world seemed still, frozen in a scene of relaxation rarely achieved in nature. Only the infrequent cry of a whippoorwill interrupted the silence of the evening.

Leaning back against the trunk of the huge maple was a pretty girl with blue eyes and long, corn silk blonde hair hanging loose about her shoulders. A slight smile ghosted across her face as she thought that the tree had been here before her great, great, great grandparents had moved into this part of the country. Its trunk was almost five feet across and it rose above anything nearby. Emily Letton was thirteen. She often came up here to just sit and think and liked to believe that in the distant past some young Cherokee girl had leaned against this same trunk when the tree was much smaller. There was a good chance she was right in her belief.

Emily could be found here most any time of year and many times of day. In fall when the dark clouds scudded across the open sky and the bright colored leaves rattled in the wind. In winter when often the surrounding hills were white with a soft blanket of snow. In spring when the leaves were just budding and violets and other spring flowers carpeted the surrounding land. On a sunny noontime or a cloudy afternoon. Sometimes as the sun was just rising, its rays spreading from the eastern peaks across the land. Even sometimes at night when the stars filling the sky seemed without number. But her favorite time was in summer at twilight, just before sunset. Then the breeze usually dropped, the air began to cool and the world began to settle for the night. From June through August fireflies began to rise from the grass and the occasional call of an owl or whippoorwill was all that disturbed the silence.

Emily had come up here frequently for a number of years. The view across the land was always lovely. And inspiring. To Emily the view wasn't limited to the actual landscape but also included a view into herself and, sometimes, a view into her future.

Sometimes her brother, John, seven years older, accompanied her to the hilltop but most often she came alone. Anytime she had a problem or a decision to make or any other big topic to consider, she found this place most conducive to serious thought. Lately she had been giving a lot of thought to her future. She was getting to an age where other girls she knew were beginning to talk about their future expectations, but theirs were far removed from her own. At thirteen most of the girls had begun to seriously notice boys. In this remote region most of the families had been around for generations and most of the girls thought they would be no different. Almost all were thinking about marriage to some local boy. Oh, not immediately, of course. They would wait until they were at least sixteen. Actually most would not get married until into their early twenties despite the stereotype of the Kentucky hill dwellers. Still, at thirteen, most were looking forward to a limited future. A couple were sure they would be great country singers and move to California or at least Nashville but most thought they would spend their lives in these hills.

Emily was almost unique in that she desperately wanted to go to college and study engineering. She also knew that there was no way her family could afford college. She loved the out of doors and loved the hill country but she realized that here almost everyone was either a farmer or worked for the mines. Farming was not her thing and she had absolutely no interest in the mines, not even their engineering. No, she wanted to build. Buildings, maybe, but if she really had the choice it would be roads. That way she could work outdoors but could still create with technology. She really had no idea where this driving urge had originated. Maybe from a book she had read or, perhaps, from some overheard conversation. She just knew that for the last few years this had been her dream.

It hadn't come from her family. Emily's father worked for a mining company. Not as a miner but as a welder, repairing some of the equipment. Her mother, of course, didn't work outside the home. Very few women in this area did once they were married. Her older brother, John, had managed to escape the trap of the mines by playing football and had gotten a scholarship. His only real interest in college had been football and ROTC. He had told Emily that when he graduated he wanted to stay in the army. See the world. Do exciting things. Still, he didn't seem to have a very good idea just what exciting things. The military did not appeal to Emily. She knew her desired profession would take her out into the world and although she loved the country here she didn't want the kind of future it seemed to offer.

Now Emily watched the sun finally sink below the horizon. For another half hour she remained there, looking out at the darkening sky and the emerging stars, but also trying to see a way clear for the future she so desired. When the first of these bright points of light had just appeared, she recited, to herself, but in a just audible whisper, "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight ..." She continued with the silent wish only half formed in her mind. She couldn't actually put it into words, but she knew it was really a wish for an almost impossible future - one in which she could keep the geography but have the kind of life she so desperately desired. She gave a sigh and decided that, at least for now, she would just continue to try and learn as much science and math as she could and maybe, just maybe, something might work out.

CHAPTER 1

It was again July, two years later. Emily was now fifteen and in high school. Her brother had graduated from college in May and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the army. Her whole family had gone over to the college for the ceremonies. This was only Emily's third trip more than a hundred miles from her home, but that was still three more than many of her friends had made. There were even some of her friends' parents who had never been more than two counties away in their lives - and the counties here about were actually quite small.

Still, it wasn't like it had been fifty years ago when the region was really isolated. Now most families did have satellite TV and thus some idea what the rest of the world might be like, even if a lot of the programs gave a very distorted idea of the real world. It wasn't that people didn't know about the rest of the world. No, it was just that most had no urge to see it. Emily was an exception.

Walking around the campus in Lexington before the graduation ceremonies, Emily felt nearly overwhelmed. Not with the big campus but with emotions. The desire to go to college, to study and learn, was stronger than ever but she saw no way it might really happen. She felt excited at seeing the facilities and at the same time nearly ready to cry at the thought that she would probably never make it here.

Emily had skipped John's tour of the football facilities and instead walked over to the engineering part of campus. She was wandering around the building, looking at the displays in the Civil Engineering Department when a man in his fifties walked by and noticed her engrossed in the exhibits. There was something about this girl, about the way she looked at the displays with such a longing, that he stopped and just watched her for several minutes. Unbidden, the image of a hungry kid looking in a bakery window came to mind. There was a definite longing in the way she examined the displays before her. Finally he went up to her and said, "Hi. Looks like you might be interested in Civil Engineering."

Startled, Emily quickly turned around and looked at him. He didn't look threatening or anything and besides they were in a busy public building. She managed to respond, "Yes, I think so. I don't know an awful lot about it, though."

He smiled at her and said, "Well, I'm Professor Branson so I'm supposed to know something about it. If you have any questions I'll be happy to try and answer them."

Emily was not one to pass up an opportunity and began asking a number of questions. After the first fifteen minutes he had suggested they go over to the nearby snack bar and get a coke and she had ended up spending the next two hours with him, both learning a lot and also telling him about her own situation. He had then even taken her back to his office and given her some handouts describing what courses she should be taking in high school along with a few other things. She had said she wasn't sure her school had all the courses and he had looked thoughtful for a few seconds, then asked, "Do you have internet access?"

"We have some at home and I can get high speed at school.'

"Well, let me recommend a few websites. These have material - even short courses - you can take for free." He wrote some ISPs on a sheet of paper. Then he stopped and looked at her. "Emily, I think you are a very serious young lady. You really want to go into this, don't you?"

"Yes, Sir. Very definitely. I'm just not sure I can learn everything I need at school."

"Maybe not, but, tell me, can you learn things on your own? From books or the net?"

"Yes, Sir." Then she added, "When I can get the books."

"Yes, I think your major problem is not learning, but getting the chance." He again stopped for a few seconds and looked thoughtful. "I'll make you a deal, Miss Letton. You impress me as a very bright and determined young lady. Suppose I make a list of what you should be studying each semester and either tell you where to find it or, maybe even lend you a book or something. If you really study and work at it - and can show me you have - in another couple of years if you still want, I'll help you apply and even write a letter of recommendation for you to enter here."

Emily could hardly believe her ears. "That would be fantastic! I can promise you I'll really work at it." Then a little of the excitement left her and she had to add, "Still, I don't know how I can pay for college. My family can't help much, I know."

Professor Branson smiled. "Well, they do want to be paid. But there are ways. Scholarships and grants and even loans. When the time comes I can help steer you in the right direction for those also."

She had thanked him again several times and before she left he pulled a book from a shelf in his office and handed it to her. "This is a general introduction to Civil Engineering. It will give you a better idea of just what areas you might find most interesting. Take it with you and spend some time this summer with it. You have my e-mail address so when you have questions, feel free to ask."

Now in July, Emily was again sitting against the old maple at twilight, but this time she was making some very definite plans. She had read the book Professor Branson had given her and had asked him several questions. He had answered her and suggested some additional material. Then he had suggested she start by working a little on her math. She had taken algebra and geometry and gotten grades of A in both courses. She was supposed to take a second year of Algebra in the fall and now he suggested she go ahead and start on some trig. He gave her a web address for a free online course and Emily had just started it. She often brought homework problems up here. When the weather was good, it was a great place to work with no distractions.

She had completed the problems she had brought up with her and was now just looking out at the distant horizon while in her mind laying out some other areas in which to work. Her family certainly didn't discourage her but they didn't see the driving need she felt herself. After all, neither of her parents had gone beyond high school and didn't see things the same way Emily did. Still, they would let her make up her own mind even though they had made it clear they couldn't help pay her way. Emily understood that and told them that Professor Branson had said he would help her find funding elsewhere.

John, home for another three weeks before he went on active duty, kidded her and said that Branson was probably going to try and make her his sex slave or something. Emily was turning into a very attractive young woman. She stood five foot seven and was quite slim. In the country here most girls got enough exercise that they had well toned muscles and Emily was no exception. She had developed a very attractive figure with nicely rounded, smooth curves, and John was not kidding when he told her that men - including the professor - would really like to get her in bed.

Emily knew he was just teasing so she didn't really resent his comments. She had always looked up to her big brother and he had always treated her quite well. They were better friends than most siblings, sharing confidences and always ready to support each other. In fact, John was one of the very few people she knew with dreams beyond the local area. For this reason, even though their dreams were different, each could relate to the other. When she thought about it, John was probably Emily's best friend as well as her brother.

Socially, Emily was not totally without experience. With her looks she was asked out by many of the boys from her school. She had dated a number of them and over the last year had learned the pleasure of kissing and mild petting, but hadn't really gone much further. While she had the same urges as other girls her age she had no intension of actually having sex with anyone. She knew she didn't expect to get serious about any of the boys she knew here. None of them understood her desire for more education and to actually work as an engineer. Emily had also realized she was quite a bit smarter than any of the boys she knew and this made them seem even less acceptable as a long term interest. Still, she had learned that intelligence did not seem to be a prerequisite for kissing ability, so for the short term she had no problem dating the local boys. She had learned to relieve some of the stress with her own hands and often did so after a make out session that left her physically frustrated. She was looking forward to college for more than one reason.

Suddenly her contemplation was interrupted by a call from the path. "Hi, Sis. Thinking about what to do when the professor tries to get into your pants?"

Emily snapped her head around to see John emerging from the woods at the top of the path. As he moved over and flopped down against the tree next to her she replied, "Oh, I know what to do. I'll just need to decide if I want to do it." They both laughed and then Emily added, "No, seriously John, I'm just thinking about the Law of Sines and how to use it,"

"Math! Ugh. I always knew there must be something a little wrong with you, Kid." Then in a different tone he added, "Really, Em, I'm glad you see what you want to do. Probably a lot better than I do. I just know I want to see the world, go places. I love being outdoors - cities don't grab me - but I'm not really sure just what I want to do there. Maybe when I get out of the army I might look into going into the Forest Service or something like that."

"Well, I guess you'll have three or four years to think about it."

"Yeah. Six weeks down at Benning training and then somewhere. Probably somewhere a ways off from here."

They sat in silence for several minutes, just looking out at the sunset. Then Emily said, "Well, I hope you find what you want, Brother."

"And I hope you find what you want, too, Em."

They remained silent for another quarter hour as the darkness began to seep over the valleys and hills. Then with only a quick look at each other, they rose and started back down the path.

Part way down the hill John said, "Say, Em. I'm leaving in another three weeks. Think you might be able to forget about ...math... for a couple of days and we could go camping somewhere?"

John had been the one to introduce Emily to backpacking and they had often gone on short hikes together. Surprised, but happy to be asked, Emily replied, "I expect so. Where did you have in mind?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe over to the Fox Creek Gorge area. That's always nice."

Fox Creek Gorge was in a national forest not too far away. They had hiked and camped there a number of times. "Yes, that does sound good." Then she added, "I would have thought that you might be expecting a lot of camping out during your training and wouldn't want to add to it."

He laughed. "Probably will. But I'm pretty sure the company won't be as nice." Then in a teasing tone he added, "Unless this new co-ed army is a little better than I expect."

Emily laughed. "I doubt that. But I'm sure you could find some girls around here who would make a trip quite interesting."

John's face took on a more serious look. "I might at that, but, Emily, you know I'm not serious about anyone. Besides, no one else is as good a friend." Then to tease her a little more he said, "They might not even be as good a lay."

John and Emily were able to tease back and forth like with no problem although they never did it where anyone else could overhear. "Well, you'll never know, Brother."

Then without the tease John said, "What about you, Little Sister? Have you found anyone you like well enough to sleep with?"

Emily answered, "No, you know I haven't. Maybe when I go to college, but not around here. I'm still a true Tennessee virgin." Then smiling she added, "I can still outrun you."

Both laughed at the old joke. A Tennessee virgin is a twelve year old who can outrun her brothers. In another minute Emily asked, "When did you have in mind going?"

"I don't know. The weather looks pretty good. Want to go day after tomorrow for two or three days?"

"That sounds all right. I don't think Mom and Dad have anything planned for then and I can be free. We can check when we get back to the house."

Two days later they had driven the forty-five miles over to the gorge, parked at the trail head and were shouldering their packs. The day was mostly sunny with temperature in the upper seventies. Both were wearing cutoffs, tee shirts and hiking boots. As per protocol they hadn't needed to get permits but left a note on the windshield saying they were camping along the gorge trail and when they would be back out.

The trail began along the spine of a ridge but soon descended into the gorge in a series of switchbacks. With the warm temperatures and the typical high humidity of the Kentucky mountains they were both soon soaked in sweat, something which bothered neither of them. In this region this was not unusual at all in summer. At least there weren't any mosquitos.

The trail mostly followed the bottom of the gorge with its small stream and by about four they came upon a nice camping area. They had stayed here before and were happy to see it was empty. Actually they hadn't seen anyone at all, which wasn't too surprising for a weekday. The camp site was an open glade, some thirty feet across, hidden in a grove of beech and hickory. The stream was forty feet or so away. There it fell over a three foot waterfall and opened to a pool some thirty feet across before shrinking to a narrow stream once more to flow on down the gorge.

They took a couple of plastic bottles over to get water to filter. Once these were full John turned to Emily. "You know that water looks rather nice after the hike."

"A swim would go quite well I think. Shall we?"

"Sounds good to me," John replied. Both immediately began removing their boots and then pulled their tee shirts over their heads.

John and Emily had gone skinny dipping together for years and thought nothing about stripping down to do so. In a few more seconds both were completely bare and stepped into the pool below the falls. They splashed around for ten minutes or so and then stepped back out. Emily picked up her shirt and then said, "We didn't even bring a towel down with us and I really would rather put on a clean shirt."

"Same here," John replied. "Let's just rinse this stuff out and hang it up to dry back at the camp." Emily agreed and took her shirt and panties back to the water to rinse while John did the same with his things. Then they slipped on their boots and, still naked, carried their clothes back. They spread the wet things across a couple of bushes and then went to their packs to get dry shirts and shorts.

In another half hour they had the tent setup, some firewood gathered, and were sitting on a couple of rocks just talking. At one point Emily mentioned how much she was hoping to really get to go to school in another three years. She said something to the effect that college had seemed to agree with John.

"It definitely did. Not just getting away from the hills but all the different people I got to meet. I got the chance to play football, even to travel with the team to other places."

"Well, I noticed at the creek that something must have kept you in pretty good shape. I guess the football helped. What about the classes?" Emily asked. "I noticed you didn't mention them a lot."

John laughed. "Well, football and ROTC. Classes were mostly a way to stay in school. Oh, really there were a number of them I liked, but, Em, you know school itself is not really my thing. I'll leave that to you." Then he looked directly at her. "You seem to be in pretty good shape yourself. Seriously, Em, you are really a beautiful girl with a fantastic figure. You are going to have a lot of guys after you when you get to school. Seriously, Sister, if you're a virgin you shouldn't count on staying that way unless you really want to. I don't mean anyone will force you. I know you can take care of yourself. But you may find someone that you will want to change your status. If you do make sure he uses condoms. There are STDs around. And when you get there you should make a trip to the clinic and get on the pill. Just in case. I'd hate to see some accident mess up your future."

A little surprised at the seriousness of John's comments, Emily slowly said, "I probably will. I know I can generally take care of myself. After all, you taught me a lot about self defense." With a smile she added, "Including how to kick a guy in the balls." After a few seconds she went on, "You know I'm not going to drink a lot or anything so I expect to say conscious. But, like you said, I might change my mind with some guy. I'm practical enough to be prepared."

"I know you are, Emily. I just don't want anything to mess up what you're after."

A little later they built a fire and cooked hamburgers over the coals. They remained outside until nearly midnight talking before going into the tent and climbing into their sleeping bags.

The next day they hiked several miles before again camping and the following afternoon emerged back at the trail head and drove home. Emily was always to remember this as one of the best trips she and her brother had taken. A little over two weeks later John left to report for active duty.

CHAPTER 2

Emily found she was thriving on her studies. She had always been able to learn from books and had always found math and science interesting and fairly easy. Now it was March of her senior year of high school. She had shown the school that she had learned enough trig and solid geometry that there would be no point in her taking the course her school offered. They didn't offer Calculus but Emily had already made a good start on that subject and the school had helped her enroll in an on-line second term course for which she would receive high school credit also. Likewise with a college level physics course.

Over the last three years her brother had written her most months. He had had a number of stations and was always enthusiastic about what he was doing and where he was. After a few months in Texas he had had assignments in Germany and Hawaii and in his last letter had said he expected a transfer to Japan in the next few months. John had always wanted to see the world and now it looked like he was getting his chance.

Emily often went up on her hilltop, to study or just to sit and think. John was getting what he had wanted and now she dared to hope that somehow her own dreams might come true also.

She had continued to correspond with Professor Branson and he had helped her shape her studies. Some months earlier he had encouraged her to apply and had written the promised letter of recommendation. He had also said that with her SAT scores and grades she would almost certainly be admitted. Then he had pointed her in the right direction for scholarship and grant applications and she had filled out dozens. Her acceptance had, in fact, come as predicted. She had already received two small scholarships and the big ones should be announced in the next month or so. She had high hopes.

One afternoon she got off the school bus and pulled the mail from the mailbox. There was a fat envelope from the university and she rushed back to the house and into her room to read it. Almost afraid to open it, her hands trembling as she slit the seal, she pulled out a number of sheets of paper. She unfolded them and saw at the top of the first page the heading "Financial Aids Awards."

She closed her eyes, said a quick silent prayer and looked down. Then she let her breath out and looked again. A scholarship and a grant. She had enough for a full ride. A second later her mother heard a near scream from Emily's room and turned to see her daughter running towards her.

"I got it! It's real and I'll really be going. It's really going to happen!"

She showed her mom the letter and in return got a tight hug. Her mother didn't attach the same significance to college as Emily did but she understood how important it was to her daughter. She hugged her tightly and used her dish towel to wipe a few tears from Emily's eyes.

The rest of senior year seemed to slip by quickly. Graduation came. For most of her class that was the end of their schooling and graduation was a really big thing. To Emily and a few others it was still important but not the be all and end all. This was the key to a door, a door which led to a future of which she had long dreamed.

She had, of course, e-mailed Professor Branson as soon as she had received the awards letter and he had congratulated her and had suggested a few things for her to study over the summer to make herself better prepared in the fall. To Emily, summer had not meant the end of study for a number of years and this was no exception. She again dug into the work the professor had suggested and most days spent several hours immersed in equations, theories and material most of her friends and family would not have understood of even cared about at all. But to Emily it was incredibly fascinating. She loved learning new things and the entire field caught her imagination.

As she had in the past, if the weather was good, most days would find her spending several hours up by the ancient maple, reading a thick book or working some complicated problems. She loved it. She also loved the view, the hum of the insects, the calls of the birds. She loved the smell of the summer blossoms, the sweet scent of clover that she could almost taste on her tongue. When she had ended her current reading or finished the problems on which she had been working, she would lie back and lust look out at the land. Or up at the clouds as they made their slow way across the sky. Sometimes she could see a thunder storm coming from far off and she would linger to watch it until she had to run back down the hill to avoid getting drenched.

However, Emily's world was not limited to math and physics and such. Emily was also a romantic. In addition to math and science books she often brought books of another type up to her hilltop. She would frequently be found leaning back against the old maple and reading, sometimes out loud, Byron, Keats, Hardy or Bronte. This was a side of Emily that even John didn't really know. Maybe part of it was that she knew none of the local boys would make a good long term prospect for her. Part of that was, of course, her driving interest in advancing her education while almost none of them ever wanted to attend another class. But part of it was that the heros of the English poems and novels seemed so much more than any real person she had ever known. She often laughed to herself at the idea of one of the boys she dated quoting romantic poetry to her or speaking the words of one of her fictional heros. The boys she dated were fine as friends and short term interests - well, not really romantic interests, but if she was honest, erotic interests. While she would not consider sleeping with any of them, long, hot make out sessions were another story altogether.

Twilight would often find Emily leaning back against her maple. Sometimes dreaming of the coming year at college. But sometimes imagining a tall, handsome man, holding her on his lap as he quoted, "She walks in beauty like the night ..." or something similar. Overall, that summer, life was very good.

The third week of August Emily packed her belongings into a pair of duffles and a couple of boxes. Her parents drove her over to the campus, her fourth trip a hundred miles from home. They found her dorm and in only a few minutes had her things moved in. With long hugs they set off for home once more and Emily, for the first time in her life, was completely by herself. Surprisingly this didn't bother her at all. She knew she could handle whatever she had to. What she was a little uncertain of was rooming with someone she didn't know.

From the pile of stuff when she had come into her room, it was obvious that her roommate had already arrived , but she was no where in sight. There were things piled on one bed and in one closet so Emily began to place her few things in the remaining spaces. The second bed had a pile of sheets, pillow cases and towels. When she had placed her few things in the closet and the empty dresser drawers, she began to make the bed.

As she was tucking in the top sheet the door opened and a dark haired girl about her own height, maybe an inch or two shorter, entered. As she turned around the new girl said, "Hi. I'm Lynn Mason. You must be my roommate."

Emily smiled. "I guess so. I'm Emily Letton."

For the next few minutes the two talked and learned a little about each other. Lynn was from a small town outside Owensboro. She was planning to major in chemistry. At least they would have some of the same type of classes in common. Emily got the idea that Lynn's family was middle class, at most, and certainly not wealthy. Lynn also had a scholarship. The more they talked, the more Emily thought they might get along quite well. Lynn seemed a serious student, not interested in wild parties, drinking or any of the other things John had warned her about. Neither girl knew anyone else on the campus.

Each desk had a cork board above it and Emily saw Lynn putting a photo up on hers. It showed her with a guy a little older than she was and another pair of teens, male and female, slightly off to the side. "Your boyfriend?" Emily asked.

"Who?" Then she saw Emily looking at the photo. "No, my brother. He's a year older. The other two are my cousins, two years younger. No serious boyfriend." Then she added, "Yet. What about you?"

"I have a brother, seven years older. He graduated three years ago and is the army now. In Japan by now, I think." Emily dug out a photo of John in his uniform, along with her mother and father, and placed it on her own cork board. Then she said, "No boyfriend either."

The way she said it made Lynn stop and look at her. "By choice?" Then she quickly added, "I'm sorry. That's none of my business."

Emily laughed. "Don't be. I don't mind. I mean no serious boyfriend. I've dated a number from home but none of them have ever impressed me as long term serious. I'm still waiting."

Lynn sighed. "I guess we have something else in common. I'm kind of waiting, too. Well, I expect most of the men around here will be able to count beyond ten with their shoes on."

Emily joined her laughter. "That's one way of putting it. Actually the ones at home probably aren't that bad but I don't think many of them are interested in counting beyond seven - just how many days until the next weekend."

Still laughing, Lynn said, "You know, Emily, I think we are probably going to get along pretty well."

Emily smiled. "That's just what I've been thinking."

The next few weeks of the semester were quite busy. Emily had found that Professor Branson had been designated as her advisor. She suspected he had arranged for that to happen and when she asked, he admitted that was the case. He helped her select classes even though most of her first ones would be basic courses outside the Engineering School.

Once registered there were books and supplies to purchase as well as a few more clothes and things. Emily had not had a huge wardrobe at home and now found she would need a few more things. Even with her scholarships and grants she still had to watch her expenses. Books were incredibly expensive and clothing added up rather quickly. At least she didn't have a roommate like some she saw in the dorm who acted like there was no limit on their credit cards. Maybe there wasn't. Even surprising herself a little, Emily realized that she was not actually jealous of those girls. She was getting what she really wanted and didn't begrudge anyone else what they had.

One of her biggest expenses, but one she had expected was a computer. Emily's family did have a computer but it was fairly old. Besides she couldn't take that away from home. She had been planning on buying herself a laptop and had done some serious research. She didn't need the latest top of the line model but she would want something that would handle simple tasks like word processing and e-mail. She had mentioned that she was looking for something like that to one of the other students in her calculus class. This girl, Barb, seemed quite knowledgeable about computers and one day after class offered to help her search for a good unit.

They headed over to a snack bar where they got cokes and settled at a table. Barb brought up her own laptop and quickly found several possible models. Emily was surprised that the cost was quite a bit less than she had expected. When she mentioned this Barb said, "I got the idea you might be on a tight budget. Most of these are a year or even two old, but they are good machines. I've used one of these," she said, indicating one of the models. "It's a good machine and you can find them with a professional grade operating system. Might be just slightly heavier and thicker than a new model, but it will do everything you want."

"That would be great." Emily looked at the description. "It looks good to me and if you say so, well, you know a lot more about them than I do. It's actually a couple of hundred less than I expected to spend."

"Like I said, I've used one and this will work fine for you. I can even promise it will handle the graphics you're going to need before too long. The only downside, as I mentioned, is that it will be a little heavier to carry around to class with you." She hesitated for a few seconds, apparently mulling something over in her mind. The she said, "Emily, if you were planning on spending a couple of hundred more anyway, you might consider a tablet to carry around to class."

"You mean instead of the laptop?"

"No, I meant in addition. Look at this one." She reached into her pack and pulled out a small tablet. "This one is a ten inch model. You can take notes right on the screen with the stylus." She demonstrated this, making notes on a grid paper type of background, changing colors now and then and erasing things."

"Emily watched fascinated. "I've never used a tablet but I've seen them. Something like this would be great." She hesitated a few seconds. "How much does one of these run?"

Barb replied, "I paid about one hundred fifty for this one." Then she smiled at Emily's surprise. "They've come way down in the last few years."

"Really? That's a lot less than I would have thought." For a few seconds Emily was quiet, running numbers in her head. Then she suddenly nodded her head. "Yes, I can manage that. Where do I get them?"

Barb smiled. "I know the sites which will have the best prices. You can order them right now if you want. All you need is a credit card."

Emily did have a card. In another few minutes she had ordered both the laptop and the tablet along with a case for the tablet. "Barb, I really want to thank you. This was a great help."

"I'm glad I could help. You'll probably do something like this for me some time."

By the beginning of October, Emily had settled into her new life far better than she would ever have imagined. For a new life is what it really was. She had always enjoyed reading and learning and had dreamed of a chance like this for years now, even if it had seemed an impossible dream until quite recently. She loved her courses and her professors. Well, most of her professors. She awoke each day, eager for her classes. The rest of her life had also bloomed. With her looks she was soon being asked out by a number of men. Although she enjoyed the much wider social life available on a big campus and although she found that many of the men were a cut above those at home, she still hadn't met anyone who came up to what she was looking for.

At introspective times, sitting under an old tree, brightly colored leaves falling all around her, autumn sunshine illuminating the many students strolling along or hurrying about their various pursuits, Emily would think that perhaps she was looking for someone who only existed in old English novels. Then she would shake her head and smile to herself and decide to keep looking at least a while longer. After all, a man didn't have to be perfect for her to enjoy some physical activities with him. And enjoy them she did, even though she never went beyond some serious making out. She had taken John's advice and gone to the clinic for birth control pills. For now, she took them regularly but had no intension of actually needing them. Many of the girls she met in her classes and in her dorm easily admitted they slept with most of the men they dated. Emily had noticed, however, that most of them didn't seem to take it seriously and that it didn't seem to make any real impression on them. Emily fully expected that when she did find someone, making love would be an experience unmatched by any she had previously had or anything she could imagine. Then she would smile to herself and think that maybe that was just in the novels also. Still, she would wait a little longer.

Emily was fortunate in that Lynn did not drink heavily. In fact, not at all. Emily herself had had wine a few times growing up, had tasted beer but didn't like it at all. She had even once or twice had a taste of moonshine but had no urge to ever do so again. She was never interested in getting drunk for the sake of getting drunk and had never, never considered the idea of any other substances. Now, loving her classes and the life on campus, Emily had no desire whatsoever for any of that. She loved her own reality too much.

Her freshman year passed almost in a blink. May, and she still had trouble believing everything was real. She had done quite well in all her classes. She loved being a student, but the more she learned, the more she wanted a life as a civil engineer. Her only disappointment - no, not really a disappointment, but rather an unfulfilled hope - was that she still had not met a man who came up to her requirements. That didn't mean she hadn't enjoyed the men she had met, but despite the pills - and not infrequent opportunities - she ended the year still a virgin.

CHAPTER 3

Except over the Christmas break, Emily had not been home since arriving on campus. People in her part of the world tended to think of a hundred mile trip as a journey of a lifetime. Well, maybe not quite that extreme. Still, they didn't travel easily. Emily had taken a bus home for Christmas and again rode the Greyhound back for the new year. She had repeated the ride when school ended for the summer. When she arrived back home her family was, of course, glad to see her. Her friends from high school still acted as they previously had as did others in the area. Yet somehow things seemed a little different. It wasn't exactly that Emily didn't feel that she belonged here any more. Not exactly that, but something along those lines. She still loved the area, the town and the people, her friends. But somehow they didn't seem quite the same. She realized that it was she who had changed and not the others. Or maybe she hadn't actually changed but what had been hidden deeply inside her had now blossomed and the real Emily was showing through.

Whatever the reason, it now seemed to Emily that her real world was somewhere else. Back on the campus or even somewhere beyond that. That is, until the first evening she climbed to her hilltop and sat beneath the old maple, looking out over the distant hills and valleys. Here she still seemed at home. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, drinking in the sounds and smells of the summer evening and let the peace of this magic place wash over and through her. Yes, this was still her favorite place in the whole world.

Emily passed the summer days easily. She fell back into her routine of chores around the house and farm and, like the several years before, spent time in study and reading, much of it under the old maple. She knew that many of those she had met at school would be working at summer jobs. It wasn't that Emily didn't work. There was plenty of work around the home but in this area there were very few actual paying jobs. Her scholarships and grants provided enough for her to get by and her tastes in expensive things were quite limited, so she wasn't driven to see how much money she could make. Besides her family could definitely use her help around the place.

She still found time for a little study and for reading. Emily was still the same romantic she had always been and often lost herself in novels, the classic English romances as well as some more contemporary ones she was able to find at the small local library. Twice she went out with a boy from her high school, but that was all. Perhaps without any conscious thought on the matter she was still looking for a man to match her fictional heros.

Not dating did mean that she missed the more frequent opportunities for erotic activities that college life had provided. Emily had a strong sex drive even if she never thought of it in exactly those terms. She had learned long ago to partly satisfy her urges on her own and the outdoors around her home had provided the privacy to do so. It wasn't unusual for the old maple to be witness to her quiet moans and cries as she relieved some of her tension with gently moving fingers.

In mid July John came home for two weeks of leave. The evening before he was expected to arrive, Emily had climbed the hill to sit beneath the old tree and watch the day turn to dusk and then night. Suddenly she heard someone come up the path and turned to find John, smiling and coming towards her.

"I didn't think you were getting here until tomorrow!" Emily exclaimed.

"I didn't expect to but when you travel space-A no schedule is absolute. On leave I can catch any available flight but I have low priority if there is official travel. I was lucky and caught an earlier flight out of Japan. Space available is nice - and free- but I have to allow extra time, just in case."

Emily was standing and gave him a tight hug. "I'm glad you made it. Any time is fine with me."

They both sat down and leaned against the ancient tree. "So, Little Sister, how do you like college?" They had exchanged e-mails throughout the year but this was their first real chance to talk since Emily had started at the school.

"I love it! The classes are fantastic - I can't seem to get enough. I mean, I really like the subjects and I love learning more and more about things. Most of the professors and I get along really well and Professor Branson is always ready to take time for me if I ever have any questions."

John smiled at her enthusiasm. "Well, I expect you like the classes a lot better than I did. What about other things? Friends? Boyfriends?"

"Lynn, my roommate, and I get along quite well. In fact, we've gotten an apartment together for next year." Then she actually blushed a little. "There have been a few men, but I wouldn't call them boyfriends or anything."

He smiled at her and teased, "No one to get into your pants yet?"

Now Emily flushed even deeper. "No. I did take your advice about the clinic and the pills, but I haven't really needed them yet."

"Maybe you're just being too picky," he again teased her. "You've turned into rather a hot woman, Em. I can't believe that men are all over you trying."

This brought a smile to her face. "I'll admit that a number or them have tried. Just not one I wanted yet." Then she changed the topic a little. "What about you, John?"

"You mean have I been getting into some pants of my own? I'll admit there have been a number of girls. Nothing serious, but we do have a lot of fun."

"Actually I meant more general than that. Have you found what you wanted?"

"Oh, I found a few I definitely wanted without their pants. They seemed to want that quite a bit themselves." Then in response to the look on Emily's face he turned more serious. "Seriously, Em, I never did know exactly what I wanted. I knew I wanted to travel and see the world. I've definitely gotten to do that. But the funny things is that now I have been so many places, that urge is dropping a bit. I like what I do in the Army. I've learned to be quite a good mechanic. I'll likely have one more station before my current enlistment ends. Probably somewhere in the mid-east. Then I have to decide if I want to re-up again. Lately I've been thinking that when my next hitch is up, I may leave the Army and find a job as a mechanic somewhere. It's not that I'm tired of what I'm doing. More of just feeling that, OK, I've done this. Now maybe I should settle down." Then his look lightened up a bit. "Maybe I just need to find a girl who wants to always keep her pants off for me."

Emily's expression lightened a bit. "I bet there are a lot of them. You are quite a hunk, Big Brother."

"Well, you are a really hot fox yourself, Em." Then, both of them lapsing into silence, John put his arm around her shoulders and the two remained quiet, just listening to the whippoorwills and watching the shadows creep up the mountain sides.

John was home for two more weeks. He and Emily again made another camping trip together for a couple of days and twice more they headed up the hill at twilight to just sit and talk.

CHAPTER 4

In late August Emily headed back to school. This time she took the bus, saving her family what they thought of as a long trip. When Emily arrived at the apartment she and Lynn had rented, she found that Lynn had already been there for a day. They spent the next two days getting all the stuff they would need here that hadn't been necessary in the dorm. Food, cleaning supplies, dishes, pans, tableware. Fortunately this was a little easier than Emily had expected because Lynn had brought a car back with her. Not a new one by any means, but it did allow them to get things without having to carry everything they bought.

Again, within a week or two, they settled into a routine as though they had been doing it for years. Emily was once again thrilled with her classes. This year she was getting more engineering courses even if there were still a couple of required basics she had to take. She even managed to work in a course on the English Romantic Novel just for her own interest. Here she discovered a couple of writers she had never heard of before but who enthralled her interest from the first pages.

As always, the leaves began to change color, the air cooled with crisp autumn nights. In the more remove and isolated reaches of the campus such nights were filled with sharp, bright stars. And often they were filled with couples hiding from the lights and concentrating on each other rather than the leaves or stars. Frequently Emily was among them, her strong desires being filled with some very serious kissing and roaming hands. Yet no one seemed exactly right and each morning as Emily took her pill the question would creep into her mind: Would she ever really need them? Perhaps she was raising her standards too high? Still, she held back, a distant hope glowing over the horizon that there would be a man who met her ideals.

Emily had a wonderful personality and, of course, as her brother had said, the physical appearance of a very hot fox. There was never a shortage of men who asked her out, but generally not more than a few times. Sometimes this was a result of Emily's lack of interest in drinking. She was firm in her abstinence and many of the men moved on to easier prey, as they often thought of their dates. Also a lot of the problem was that many of them expected more intimate activities on the second or even the first date. Many of the girls on campus realized this and were ready to sleep with a guy as an expected activity. Emily was not. Occasionally this resulted in strong language, insults, a sullen date and, not infrequently, a frustrated Emily. Emily knew she wanted more, but was not ready to look for that more with just anyone.

Fall semester progressed smoothly despite her social limitations and before she realized it finals were past and she once more made the trip back home. John's e-mails had indicated that he might be able to get leave and be home for Christmas but at the last minute he found this was impossible. He was now stationed near an active combat area and the situation could alter rapidly. Of course, he could never give her any details, but they did still exchanged e-mail fairly regularly.

The holidays went well. With Emily showing her parents how, they even managed to have a chat session with John. Emily wrote down explicit directions for her parents so they could chat with John after she had gone back to school. Her family had had a computer and internet since John was in high school but didn't use it enough to be really familiar with all the capabilities. While she was showing them exactly what to do, her mother remarked, "When I was little the only way to exchange news was mail. There was the phone, of course, but long distance calls were quite expensive and you only used that for an emergency."

Emily smiled. "Things have changed, Mom."

The vacation passed quickly and soon Emily found herself back in classes. Again things were going smoothly. Then one evening in mid February when Emily was in the apartment by herself preparing supper, her cell phone rang. She glanced at the number, surprised to see it was her parents. She did talk with her parents occasionally but had done so only two days before. She answered and heard her mother's voice. "Hi, Mom."

"Hi. Emily I'm afraid I have some bad news." The tone of her mother's voice was such that Emily stopped what she had been doing and dropped down into a chair at the table.

"What's happened, Mom?"

"It's about John."

Emily felt her stomach tighten into a hard knot. With fear in her voice she hesitantly asked, "Is he ..."

Before she could finish her mother replied, "No, he's alive but he's been injured." Her voice broke as she said, "He's lost his right foot and part of his leg."

Emily stopped breathing for several seconds. Then she managed to get out, "What happened?"

She heard her mother take a deep breath. "I don't know the details. He and some of his men were ambushed. He evidently tried to help get a couple of them out of danger and the terrorists hit them with something. Some kind of rocket, I think. They got him back to a hospital and he's on his way to Germany and then back to the US. I understand he'll be in the hospital for some time. I've e-mailed him but I haven't heard back yet."

"Do you want me to come home, Mom?"

Her voice changed, became firmer. "No, Emily. There isn't anything you can do here and it will be some time before John is able to come here. You're doing what is really important to you. Don't stop. I'm sure John would agree with that."

For several seconds Emily was totally silent. Then she realized what her mother had said was correct. John would tell her to stay at school. She took a deep breath. "All right. If there is anything I can do, let me know."

Her mom said, "All I can think of is you might e-mail him. Let him know you're thinking of him. From what they said he'll be able to get e-mail and reply. I know he was in surgery for a while right afterwards, but I think this happened a day or two ago."

"All right, Mom. Let me know if anything changes."

For the next twenty minutes Emily just sat, staring into space while her mind tried to grasp what had happened. Finally, she took a deep breath and began to compose an e-mail to her brother.

When Lynn came in a little later, Emily was still sitting at the table, her laptop open as she tried to work out exactly what to say. Emily looked up. "Lynn, I'm sorry I haven't got supper ready. Something has happened."

She then told Lynn what it was. "Emily, don't worry about supper. I'll make us something. You go ahead and write your brother."

"Thanks, Lynn, but I'm not sure I'll be able to eat anything."

Lynn turned to face her, her hands on her hips, and sternly said, "Emily, you have to eat. It won't do John or yourself any good if you don't." Then is a more quiet tone she said, "John would tell you the same thing, wouldn't he?"

A half smile came to her lips. "He probably would but not in so gentle a fashion. You're right, Lynn. He'd want me to keep going, no matter what."

Emily sent off the e-mail, but it was two days later before she received a reply. When she opened it she was totally surprised by the tone. She had expected John to be depressed at best, but the message was actually quite upbeat.

"...It could have been a lot worse. They had us pinned down and my sergeant and two of the men were trapped on the other side of the Humvee where they were still taking fire. I managed to help get them back under cover on my side but before I made it back they hit us with an RPG. Fortunately another squad saw where they were and managed to take them out.

I'm alive. That's more than some guys over here. I just suppose now I won't be able to be a pro football player."

Emily gasped with something between a laugh and a sob at this comment. She knew John had never had ambitions to play pro ball, that his comment was joking, but now he went on.

"Seriously, Em, it's not really as bad as it sounds. I was able to keep my knee and they tell me with a prosthetic I should be able to do most things I could before. I had about decided not to re-up and look for a mechanic's job somewhere anyway. I've seen the world like I always wanted and now, like I told you last summer, I'm ready for something else. Besides, I'll have disability pay coming in from the army, so I'll never have to worry about being completely broke.

I'm really all right, Em. Now you just continue to go after what you want. That's the most important thing in life. Go after what you really want."

Emily felt her eyes flood. The thought came to her, "I should be reassuring him and here he is trying to prop me up." She shook her head back and forth. "Well, I won't let him down. As they say, life goes on."

The rest of the school year passed quickly. Emily and John exchanged e-mails and occasionally talked over the net. John was back stateside and was recovering nicely. He often mentioned how his new foot let him do a lot more than he would have expected. He still kidded about not playing pro ball now, but Emily knew he had never wanted to do that anyway. She even kidded him back by saying that maybe he could get a spring built into his foot and become a really good field goal kicker. She knew John would appreciate this kind of humor even if it seemed a little twisted to her to write it.

Before the summer break was over John had made a visit home. He was actually able to move quite well with the artificial foot and even could climb the hill fairly easily. It became quite common for Emily and him to watch the twilight from under their old maple.

John never talked about the circumstance surrounding the attack except to once say that at least they could shoot back, unlike under the last administration's Rules of Engagement. He did, however, continue to joke about his leg. Once they had been caught in a brief shower while sitting under the maple. After the rain stopped Emily stood to start back to the house. John made a move to stand and then froze with his leg stiff and in a tight jawed voice said, "Oil. Can. Oil. Can."

For an instant Emily froze and then she burst into a wild fit of laughter. When she caught her breath she managed to say, "Come on, Tin Man. That leg is aluminum. It doesn't rust."

John joined her laughter and rose to start back down the hill. Emily looked at him and in a different tone of voice asked, "Seriously, John. You joke like that about your leg a lot. Doesn't it really bother you, what has happened?"

In an equally serious tone he turned towards her. "Well, of course, I would rather it never had happened. But one of the things they stressed to me during rehab was to try and avoid getting depressed over it. Also I've found that I can really do most things, maybe not quite as easily or as well as before, but there aren't really many things that limit me. Seriously, I rarely think much about it any more. Also, I always remember there are three guys who probably wouldn't be alive if I hadn't helped."

Emily put her arm around him. "John, you are really quite a man. I can't imagine a better brother." Then her tone changed to a lighter, more teasing form. "Now if I could just marry you."

John, now also lightening his tone replied, "But, Sis. This is the Kentucky hills. Don't let a little thing like being siblings stop us." Both of them laughing they started back down the hill.

CHAPTER 5

Junior year started much the same as the previous two. That is, Emily slipped back into the routine of classes with little problem. She and Lynn were still sharing the apartment and now her classes were mostly in the civil engineering field. She still dated a number of men but had yet to find one to hold her interests.

Her cartography class was a lecture of about fifty students. She knew about half of them from the previous year's classes, but a number of them were unfamiliar. When the first exam was given back one Friday afternoon in mid October, the professor called each by name before handing back the paper. Emily was pleased to see the 98 along with a big, red A on hers.

At the end of class she was feeling quite happy as she gathered her things and prepared to leave for her apartment. As she slipped on her backpack and started towards the door, a voice said, "Emily Letton?"

She turned to see a man, tall, probably a bit over six foot, dark blonde hair and deep blue eyes. A little hesitant she replied, "Yes. I'm Emily."

"Are you by any chance related to John Letton? Army Captain John Letton?"

Emily stared at him for a second. "Yes, he's my brother, but he's not in the army any more."

The man smiled. "I know that. I'm Donald Moore. I was John's top non-com during his last assignment. I owe him big time."

Emily stared at the man, taking in his physical appearance - not bad at all. Definitely not bad. But not just that, his face reflected what Emily could only think of as caring or maybe empathy as well as intelligence. At last she managed to speak. "He said he pulled his sergeant and a couple of men around to safety before he was hit. Was that you?"

"It certainly was. If it weren't for you brother, I wouldn't be here. In more ways than one." He looked around at the empty classroom. "Look, I'd like to talk with you some more. I know a girl as lovely as you probably has something going on tonight, but do you think you might have a little free time sometime?"

Emily blushed a little at the compliment. "Actually I don't have anything scheduled tonight." She had been expecting to go out that night but Ralph, the guy who had asked her, had called the night before and tried to insist that they go to a frat party a friend of his was attending. Emily knew such parties were mostly loud, drunken affairs and had no interest along those lines. Ralph had tried to insist and finally Emily had simply told him to forget the whole thing. Now she felt quite happy that she had done so.

"In that case may I take you to dinner?"

"You don't have to do that. You don't even know me."

"I don't have to but I want to. Besides if I didn't want to take a beautiful woman like you out, I should be seeing a shrink."

Emily laughed. "All right. Just let me go back to my apartment and change first."

Donald gave a theatrical bow and said, "By all means, Beautiful Lady, although you look wonderful as you are now. Seriously if you want we'll go to Mancetti's. I'll go back and change also. Tell me where your apartment is and I'll come by about six. How does that sound?"

Mancetti's was a somewhat upper scale restaurant in the area. Not black tie or anything but a little above what most college students selected. "That will work but it certainly doesn't have to be anything like Mancetti's. I'd be just as happy with a Big Boy or something."

"Ah, but I wouldn't. Seriously, I would love to take you there. Or even somewhere better."

"All right. Six it is." She gave him her address and they parted.

Back in her apartment she made a quick phone call to her brother. John had obtained a job as a senior mechanic at a small place over near Louisville. "Hi, Em. What's up?"

"I just met a guy in one of my classes who said he was your non--com."

"Don Moore? How is he?"

Emily's voice softened. "He looks fine. I just wanted to make sure he really was who he said. He's asked me to dinner."

She heard John's laugh. "He's a great guy." She could almost hear the smile in his voice. "Seriously, Em, he really is a great guy. I would trust my life to him and, in fact, did so a number of times. Smart, too. You said he was in one of your classes? I guess he took my advice and went back to school." For a second he didn't say anything. Then in a teasing tone, "I hope you're still taking your pills, Em. He just might be what you've been looking for."

Emily felt herself flush but managed to stammer, "He just asked me to dinner. Said he wanted to talk about you a little."

Again John laughed. "Don't worry, Em. He won't ravish you." Then the teasing voice once more, "Of course, if you decide to ravish him..."

Emily felt herself go even more red. Good thing John couldn't see her. "OK, John, I just wanted to make sure he really was who he said. Talk with you later."

"Bye, Em. Later."

Emily went into her bedroom and looked for something that would be appropriate for Mancetti's. It was fairly cool so the dark blue velvet would be all right. She hoped so. She didn't have a huge wardrobe. Laying the dress on the bed she headed to the bathroom for a quick shower.

Just at six Donald knocked on her door. She opened it and found him dressed in a tie and dark sport coat. He came in and for a couple of seconds stared at her. Then he gave a decided wolf whistle. Almost immediately he said, "I hope I didn't offend you, Beautiful Lady, but you are truly lovely. John's description didn't begin to do you justice."

If anything Emily felt embarrassed rather than offended. "No, none taken, I assure you." The dress Emily had chosen was off the shoulder, somewhat low cut and came to mid thigh. Since coming to college her clothing sense had changed, largely with the help of Lynn and a couple of the other girls she knew. Growing up where she had she would only have envisioned such a dress on television or in some distant world where she would never travel. She still wasn't completely used to these styles.

Emily had a wrap which she picked up from the couch. Donald immediately took it from her and held it as she put it on. She picked up her purse and Donald held the door as she went out. "You have your key?" he asked and when she nodded he snapped the lock and pulled the door closed, checking that it was secure. He offered his arm and led her to a car parked near the curb. It was a two seat sports car, black in color, and to Emily it looked a little older. Not in bad shape at all but somehow id didn't look like current models she had seen. He held the door for her and she swung into the low vehicle.

Donald quickly went around to the driver's side and entered. As he was fastening his seat belt Emily asked, "What kind of car is this?"

"It's an old Porsche 914. A seventy four model, to be exact. Don't get the idea I'm rich or anything. I found this one for five hundred, in bad shape, but I managed to rebuild it for not too much. Actually the engine is pure Volkswagon."

"You fixed it up yourself? It looks great."

"I learned a lot of mechanics in the army. Just like John. And my dad had a body and repair shop, so I picked up a little of that also."

Emily leaned back in the low bucket seat as Donald started out. She noticed he drove with smooth and easy actions, as though the car were an extension of the man. In just a few minutes they pulled into the parking lot at Mancetti's and Donald quickly moved around to open her door, offering his hand to help her out.

Again he offered his arm and they made their way into the restaurant where he quickly told the man who met them, "Don Moore. I have a reservation."

"Of course. If you will just follow me."

He quickly led them to a small, secluded booth against a back wall and presented them with menus. "Sara will be serving you."

In seconds a young woman - probably another college student - asked them for drink orders. Most people here were having wine with their meals but Emily was still under twenty- one. "I could probably get away with it," she thought, but decided on iced tea instead. She was sure Donald was old enough but he ordered the same.

After they had chosen their selections and the salads had been brought, she confessed, "I called John." She turned slightly pink as she added, "Just to make sure you were really who you said you were. I hope you aren't offended, Donald. He did say you were a great guy."

He smiled. "Not at all. John said you were smart and I would have expected nothing else. By the way, I usually just go by Don."

"I'm Emily." She smiled at him. "You said you were John's sergeant. Just during his last tour?"

"Yes, but I was also with him once on an earlier tour. He was a good officer." After a second he added, "And a helpful friend." He shook his head back and forth. "Generally, officers and non-coms don't hang around a lot together. From a military standpoint that makes a lot of sense. An officer is responsible for all of his men and sometimes that can mean putting some of them in danger. He can't be playing favorites because of a close friendship. We weren't really close friends or anything but John was always ready to listen and give me advice if he could."

He sat back and for a second closed his eyes. When he opened them again he began. "You see, I had attended two years of college. Planned to go into Civil Engineering then, as a matter of fact. But I think things just got to me. I began to feel I was missing out on life or something like that. Anyway, I dropped out and joined the army. Because I had a little engineering background they sent me to mechanic's school and I ended up in that field. But after a couple of years I began to wish I had stayed in school. Traveling around was interesting at first, but it was getting old. Still, I was advancing nicely. Somehow I ended up talking with John about everything."

"We spent several evenings together, helping me sort out my own feelings. Nothing really unusual about that. A lot of good officers help their men in ways like that, but somehow John seemed to really care. He finally showed me that I had only two real choices. Either I could leave the army and go back to school to finish what I had started. Or, I could decide to make the army a career in which case I should try to compete a degree and go to OCS to become an officer." Don stopped and smiled. "He seemed to think I had real leadership qualities."

Emily broke in to his story. "This was before the attack?"

"Yes. In fact I had finally made up my mind and had decided to leave at the end of my tour and go back to school. When we were hit I only had six weeks left." He was silent again for a few seconds, obviously deep in thought, remembering. Suddenly he shook his head. "That day we were just going from one place to another. Shouldn't have been any danger in that area at all. But I guess someone had other ideas. We were suddenly hit by that ambush. There was a small IED that damaged the front of the Humvee. Everyone dived out, two men and myself on the right side, the driver and John on the left. Then the firing started coming from the right, maybe a hundred yards off or so. There wasn't much cover on our side and John cane around to the back to try and give us some covering fire. The driver did the same. I told the two other guys to get around behind the vehicle while I help fire back. One made it and the other was just going behind the vehicle when he took a round in the leg. John ducked out, exposing himself, and pulled the man into shelter. Then he came back to help again. I stood and started to make a dash to shelter when I took a round in my thigh. Fortunately not a serious hit but it dropped me to my knees. John didn't hesitate and ran over to pull me back. Not two seconds after he got me behind the Humvee an RPG hit right where I had been. If John hadn't run out, putting himself in danger, I'd be dead. It cost him his foot. Something from the RPG blast hit him as he shoved me into shelter."

Emily listened to the story with her eyes locked and her mouth open. John had never given her any details of what had happened.

Don took a deep breath and finished. "Luckily there was another squad that saw what happened. There was an A-10 patrolling in the area and they radioed him. Thirty seconds later a couple of rockets took care of the ambush and the other squad was able to get us to the field hospital."

For several seconds Emily sat transfixed. "John never told me just what happened. Thank you for doing so."

"You're welcome. He did tell you he got a Bronze Star for it, didn't he?" Emily shook her head back and forth. Don smiled. "That would be like John. The other guy and I weren't hit badly and recovered quickly. John, of course, was sent on the Germany and back stateside. I never got a chance to see him before he was gone but I e-mailed to thank him and after a couple of weeks was able to talk with him on the phone. Like I said, I owe your brother my life."

After a few seconds Emily shook her head a bit, then changed the subject. "So you decided to come back to school. What made you choose here?"

Don actually looked slightly embarrassed. "Well, John had talked about his sister going into Civil here and how great you thought the program was. I guess I didn't want to go back where I had quit before and this sounded good." Then for just a second he looked slightly more embarrassed. "Besides, John gave such a glowing description of you I wanted to see if you were really as lovely as he said. I see he understated it."

Now it was Emily who looked a little embarrassed.

As the finished the meal, the conversation turned less serious. They found they talked easily together and discovered a number of interests in common. Emily was finding herself quite attracted to this man and he seemed to be feeling the same about her. Emily hoped he might ask her out again.

When at last he drove her back to her apartment, opened her car door and walked her up to the entrance, both felt quite comfortable with each other.

As she unlocked the door, Don touched her shoulder and she turned to face him. "Emily, I find I'm quite attracted to you. I would love it if you would go out with me again."

She smiled up at him. "I'd like that, Don."

"I know it's short notice, but maybe tomorrow night?"

"I think I can fit that into my schedule," was her smiling reply.

"Suppose I come by for you about five. We can get something to eat and then maybe find a movie."

"I'd like that." After a few seconds of looking at each other she suddenly said, "Good night, Don," and then surprised both of them by reaching up and placing a quick kiss on his lips.

A stunned look on his face, Don replied, "Good night, Emily."

Over the next few weeks Don and Emily went out a number of times. Emily always found him polite and attentive to her needs. He never tried to push her but was not afraid to express his opinion even if they disagreed on something. Fortunately, this didn't happen often, as they found that they had many things in common and generally thought alike.

Don never tried to push Emily into anything sexual but without anyone directly thinking about it they found themselves holding hands as they walked or Don's arm around her shoulders. It was, in fact, Emily who finally made the first move on their third time together. They were walking through a wooded area of the campus when they stopped next to an old oak tree. After a couple of seconds, just standing there, holding hands, Emily suddenly pulled Don around into the shadows and wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him down into a long, hot kiss. Don didn't hesitate and quickly matched her actions. They spent the next thirty minutes in a really hot necking session.

This changed their relationship in some ways but not in others. Their dates became once or twice a week and after almost every one they found somewhere to hide from the lights and spend at least an hour or so in a hot make out session. They didn't go beyond some heavy petting but obviously enjoyed everything they did. Yet Don's politeness and thoughtfulness never altered. He held doors, held her chair as she was seated, offered his hand or arm whenever it looked as though it would help. It was also obvious to anyone who watched closely that Don was enamored of the lovely young woman.

Emily was also finding herself entirely caught up with this man. She had never dated anyone this many times or looked forward to dates as much as she found herself doing. While she had made out with other men, she had never done as much with any of them and had never seriously considered sleeping with them. She even surprised herself when she realized she was definitely considering sleeping with Don.

Don lived by himself in an apartment just off the campus. As he had told Emily he could manage this because he had saved some while in the army and had the GI Bill to help with his school. The first time he invited Emily to his apartment was to study for a test they had in their cartography class. They had eaten dinner at a pizza joint nearby and by six were going hard at the books. Over the next three hours they quizzed each other and it became a game to try and catch the other one in a wrong answer. But by nine they began to feel they had done as much as they could to prepare. Closing her book, Emily said, "Well, I guess we are as ready as we'll ever be for this."

Don sat up and stretched. "I expect you're right." After a second he said, "Want something to drink?"

"Sure."

"I've got diet Coke, coffee, tea, or some white wine."

Emily smiled at him. "White wine? You know I won't be legal for another two weeks." Her twenty first birthday was coming up the last week of November.

Don smiled. "I won't tell if you won't. Want some?"

Emily nodded her head slightly. "I guess so. Just a small glass, though."

"Don't worry. We'll both want clear heads in the morning."

In just a minute Don was back with a glass of Pinot Grigio. He handed it to Emily and raised his own. "To a lovely girl who I'm sure will ace the exam."

Emily smiled and in returned, "To both of us acing it."

They took a sip and Emily closed her eyes as the crisp, cool liquid slid down her throat. When she opened them she saw that Don was studying her closely. Suddenly he shook his head and said, "Thanksgiving is coming up next week. Are you planning on going home for the holidays?"

She shook her head back and forth. "No, I don't think so. It's a lot of trouble for just four days."

"Then perhaps I can take you somewhere for Thanksgiving dinner?"

She smiled. I'd like that."

When they finished the wine the two spent another hour, but not in study. However, when they heard the clock strike ten, the two pulled themselves up from where they had been lying on the couch. "Emily, we should probably get some sleep. That exam will come too quickly in the morning if we don't."

Emily straightened her clothing a bit. "I expect you are right, Don, but don't think I wouldn't like to spend a little longer here."

Smiling, he said, "I'd really like that also, but I think I'd better walk you back to your place."

"You don't really have to do that. I can make it there on my own."

"I know you can, but I like spending as much time with you as I can." Then he stopped for a few seconds. "Emily, I've grown really fond of you. You seem to have me completely enthralled."

For long seconds Emily just looked at him. Inside she was thinking that she was just as caught up in his spell. She had already realized she was coming to think rather seriously about him. At last she quietly said, "No more than you have me enthralled, Don."

For long seconds both of the young people just looked at each other, neither willing to take the next step of explicitly saying what they both seemed to be feeling. At last Don picked up Emily's jacket and held it for her. Then with almost no words between them, but with Don's arm around her waist, they walked the few blocks to Emily's apartment where they parted with a long, long kiss.

Lynn had already been in bed when Emily came in but was up in the kitchen when she came out the next morning. "Hi. I know you've got that exam sometime today. Going to be back for supper?"

"Yeah. It's at ten this morning."

"OK. I'll fix something tonight anyway."

"Thanks." After a few seconds, "Lynn, you going to be here next week or are you going somewhere for the holiday?"

"I'm going home. In fact, I'll probably skip Wednesday and take off Tuesday night." They were silent for a bit as they each got their food. "Emily, I know you aren't planning of going home and I'd ask you to come with me but I'm taking Jim to meet my parents. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all, Lynn. In fact, Don has asked me out for Thanksgiving dinner."

"You're beginning to get a little serious with him aren't you?"

Emily actually turned a little red. "I'm not sure but I think so. We're still waiting to see how it goes."

Lynn looked lost in thought a for a bit. "Jim and I are in about the same situation, I think." Then she smiled. I do know we are quite compatible in some ways."

Emily grinned at her. Lynn had been going with Jim quite a lot since September. She was aware the Lynn and Jim were sometimes sleeping together. "I expect you are. Otherwise I'm sure you'd be back in the apartment a bit earlier on weekends. Someday I'll find out what's so fascinating about it."

Lynn laughed. "You don't know what you're missing, Girl."

Emily smiled back at her. "Oh, I have some idea. I guess it's just that I want to be sure first."

Lynn's face took on a serious look. "I know. You're looking for someone to match those fictional English Lit heros."

"Maybe."

"Don't worry about it. When it happens you will find that whoever it is is just as good as anyone you've read about." She was silent for a few seconds. "I know I did with Jim. Right now I can't imagine anyone better."

The girls finished breakfast and then each headed of to her own class.

The test went well and when she returned to the apartment that afternoon, Emily began to think quite seriously about Don. Was she falling in love with him? She wasn't sure but she did think it was quite likely. How did he feel about her? From everything she could tell, he was feeling pretty much the same.

They got along quite well, had a lot of things in common, and she felt herself turn a little red the erotic aspects of their relationship certainly wasn't lacking. Not lacking in what they had done, at least. Did she want to go further? Before she had ever started college, John had suggested it would be a good idea to start on the pill in case she met someone she wanted that way. She had listened to him, had gotten blood tests and started taking birth control pills early in her freshman year. She had never met anyone that made her want to actually need them. At least until Don. True, she had only known him a couple of months but John had known him much longer and she trusted John's evaluation of most everything and everyone.

She heard Lynn come in the door and shook her self out of her serious contemplation. "How was the exam?" Lynn asked.

"Not really bad at all. I'm not worried."

"Great! How about fish for supper?"

"Fine with me. I'll come help."

The next week Lynn left for her home on Tuesday night and Emily had the apartment to herself. She made herself a dinner, made sure she had any assignment due the next week completed and then started to pick a book to read. However, nothing seemed to appeal at the moment and she soon found herself just sitting and looking out the window at the dark night.

As she sat there thoughts of Don unsurprisingly came into her head and her mind began to seriously examine how she was feeling about him. She could easily admit to herself that she found him more attractive than any other man she had met at the school. They had interests in common, they were both studying and planning on a career in the same field. She definitely found their amorous activities more exciting than any before. But was she seriously considering a long term - or permanent - relationship? Could she imagine herself married to Don?

She leaned back and closed her eyes. Her immediate response had been to say definitely yes. Still, she had not really given marriage a lot of thought. Oh, it was definitely in her future, she thought, but now? Or even soon? That was a different matter entirely. She wanted to be a working engineer, not just a housewife. Still, Don had never given any indication that he thought women shouldn't have a career, too.

Finally she shook herself. Don had not said anything to indicate he was interested in a long term relationship, although he did seem to be as enamored with her as she was with him. She had e-mailed her brother several times since she and Don had met and he never was reluctant to say she was making a good choice in seeing him. He had, in fact, once said that she could certainly do a lot worse in finding a boyfriend. She smiled to herself, shaking her head back and forth, and thought that, yes, she definitely could do a lot worse.

Finally she gave a deep sigh and decided to make it an early night and get some sleep. She did have classes in the morning.

Thursday Emily awoke and realized she was free until that afternoon. No classes. No homework. She stretched, but remained lying in bed, sometimes dozing off for a short time, until she noticed the time was nearly nine. She never slept this late. She rose and decided on a quick workout before breakfast. She and Lynn had purchased a treadmill and a small rowing machine so they could exercise in the apartment instead of having to head over to the gym. Now she spent the next forty minutes working up a sweat. When she finished she headed into the bathroom for a quick shower and then, wrapping on her robe, made her way to the kitchen to make a quick breakfast.

After finishing the meal she decided to catch up on a few tasks in the apartment. For the next four hours she washed dishes, did laundry, cleaned up everywhere she could find and rearranged her books and papers which had becomes rather mussed in the last few weeks. She stopped for a couple of leftover pieces of pizza for lunch and by three had the apartment looking the way she wanted.

Emily realized part of the reason she had gone into her domestic fit was to avoid serious thinking about Don and their relationship. She did realize that the only real concern she had was the uncertainty of her own feelings. Well, and maybe a little uncertainty about Don's feelings. Otherwise she had nothing but anticipation. In fact, she suddenly realized she was quite worked up and excited about seeing him that evening. Don had said he would be by about five and they would go somewhere nice for dinner. That gave her long enough and Emily decided to spend more than her usual time in getting ready.

She generally didn't spend a lot of time on that at all. Now she took another shower, longer and more relaxed this time. She washed and dried her hair, brushing the fine blond strands to a glow. She wore her hair down below her shoulders, leaving it loose and flowing. She had selected the dark blue velvet she had worn the first time he had taken her to dinner along with a sapphire necklace on a sterling chain. OK, it wasn't a big, natural sapphire or anything. Emily still could not afford to spend on things like that and wouldn't have even if she had had the money. But the pure blue of the lab stone looked good against her neck and went well with her eyes and hair.

Just at five Don knocked on her door. "Hi. Come on in."

He entered and stopped, staring at her. "You are truly beautiful, Emily. More so every time I see you."

Emily felt her face go warm. She didn't think she rated that description even if most men would. "Thank you," she managed.

Don held her coat for her and they headed out to his car. The top was closed. Not surprising considering the temperature was in the low forties. He held her door and offered his hand as she swung into the low seat.

He rounded the car and settled himself behind the wheel. Before starting off he turned towards her and said, "Emily, I wanted to take you somewhere really nice tonight but I'm afraid all the really good restaurants are closed. I didn't expect everyone to close for Thanksgiving but I guess they are. Anyway, I found a steakhouse that's open. I hope you don't mind."

"Why should I mind? As long as it's not McDonalds, it's fine with me."

Don gave a funny laugh. "McDonald's was closed, too."

Emily joined his laugh. "I'm sure it will be fine."

And it was. The food was surprisingly good even if they had steak instead of turkey. The service was fine and the atmosphere was cozy and quiet, partly because it wasn't very crowded.

When they left, Don drove over to a nearby park where he and Emily had often spent some time. This time it appeared to be completely deserted. "Let's take a walk," Emily suggested.

"All right." Don went around and opened her door, offering his hand again as she rose from her seat.

The air was quite cool, mid thirties now, and the sky was crystal clear, stars shining brightly. A nearly full moon had risen a short way in the east. Hand in hand, Don and Emily started down one of the wooded paths. Most of the leaves had already fallen but there were still enough that the slight gusts of wind which occasionally arose caused a slight rattling sound among the dry ones still remaining on the trees.

After they had gone fifty yards or so, Don moved closer and let his arm encircle Emily's waist and she moved slightly closer to him, content to snuggle in his arm and feel their hips rub together as they walked.

A bit farther along and Don turned off the path, leading Emily into the shadows of a small grove of hickories and maples. They had been here before and Emily was not surprised - or reluctant in the slightest - when he turned her and pulled her into a deep kiss. She returned it with at least as much eagerness as he had shown.

For the next hour they forgot about everything else and lost themselves in each other. Despite some loosened clothing the air did not feel cold. Somehow they managed to remain quite warm.

Once they pulled slightly back from a long, hot kiss, Don's hand resting on Emily's breast. The moonlight suddenly darkened, leaving them in deep shadow. Both looked up and saw that now the moon was beginning to play hide and seek with a bank of dark clouds. Now the air did seem slightly colder and Emily pulled Don more tightly against her, her hand on his back under his shirt.

For several minutes they watched as the clouds more and more engulfed the lunar orb. Suddenly a large, cold drop of rain struck Emily just above the top of her dress. "Ah!" She gave a loud cry and pulled slightly back. Then several more drops followed and both realized a shower was starting.

They quickly straightened their clothing and, actually laughing at the situation, ran, hand in hand back along the path and managed to get back into the car before the rain really started to come down. But start it did, coming down in strong, hard streaks, drenching the world outside the car.

After a few minutes Don leaned over and pulled Emily into a somewhat awkward kiss. When they pulled slightly apart Don said, "I do like this car, but a 914 is not really designed for making out."

Emily laughed. "No, I don't think it is."

"Well, I suppose we could just talk."

"We could." Emily smiled. "Or, Don, we could go back to your place. I think I'd like that better."

Don smiled back at her. "I KNOW I'd like that better."

He started the car and in a few minutes they pulled up outside his apartment. Don pulled an umbrella from behind the seat and quickly made his way around to Emily's side where he held it as she climbed out and they made their way up to his door.

Inside he took their coats and hung them in the hall closet. Emily followed him into the living room. She had been here a few of times before and when Don suggested a glass of wine she agreed. While he went to get it she went to the stereo and selected a CD of quiet music and started it.

He returned and handed her a glass of chilled white wine. He raised his glass and said, "To a warm, dry place in the storm." Emily smiled and raised her own glass in return.

They took a sip and wandered over to the window where they looked out at the now steadily falling rain. "Looks like it may last all night," Don commented. "But I'm sure I can get you home without getting you too soaked."

For a few seconds Emily stood still, her face reflecting deep thought. Then she suddenly set her glass down on a nearby table and took Don's glass to put beside it. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down into a deep, hot kiss. Then, in a low, quiet voice, she said, "Don, you won't have to take me home tonight." His eyes reflected the surprise her words had brought. "If you would like, I would like to stay here."

He drew in a deep breath. "I would like nothing better." Then, afraid he was reading too much into her words, added, "But you know I only have one bed."

"I know." Her simple reply removed any doubt.

To his credit Don asked, "Are you really sure, Emily? I don't want to push you."

"You're not. I've thought about it and I want this." Then she looked down and quietly said, "But, Don, I've never done this before. Please remember that and try not to be disappointed with me."

Don leaned forwards and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I would never be disappointed with you, Emily." He stopped for a second. " I haven't done this a lot either, so don't you be disappointed with me."

Emily looked up in surprise. "You haven't?"

Somewhat embarrassed, Don replied, "No. I could count the times on my fingers. Once, the year after high school. A few times with someone while I was in the army." Another thought came to him and he said, "I don't have any condoms. Do you?"

"No, of course not. But, Don, I've been on the pill for two years and I've had blood tests."

"I did have a test last year and I haven't been with anyone since then."

Emily smiled. "Good. Then we don't have to worry about that." She closed her eyes and almost whispered, "I've always imagined my first time without one of those even if I am practical enough to realize it probably wouldn't happen that way. I'm glad it will just be us with nothing in between."

They came together for another long, warm kiss. Then once morer. And again. As they pulled slightly back, arms still around each other, both breathing a little fast, Emily whispered. "Take me into the other room, Don." Since the apartment only really had two rooms, there was no doubt about what she meant.

In the bedroom they once again kissed, holding each other tightly. Then Emily reached to the top button of Don's shirt and opened it. Then moved on to the next. As the first button opened, Don reached and began to tug down on the zipper at the back of Emily's dress. Before she had finished with his shirt, her dress was hanging from her hips and Don was releasing her bra.

She slipped his shirt off of his shoulders as her underwear joined it on the floor. Then she pulled back slightly, her arms still on his shoulders, and for long seconds the two just looked at each other. It wasn't an entirely new sight. They had petted with clothes open before but never totally without them. Now both were breathing quite rapidly and Emily again moved first to release Don's belt and then his zipper. His pants fell around his ankles as he helped Emily step out of her dress. Stepping out of his own trousers he carefully laid the dress across the back of a nearby chair and looked her slowly up and down.

His eyes swept over her body, only covered by a tiny pair of high cut panties and her high heeled shoes. "Emily, you are more lovely than I could have imagined."

Emily was performing her own inspection of Don. He had kicked off his shoes and socks and his boxers were now straining with his obvious arousal. Emily licked her lips and had to clear her throat as she answered in a low voice, "I couldn't look as good to you as you do to me, Don." She reached forwards and grasped him through the thin boxers bringing a sharp intake of his breath.

Don responded by sliding his hands downwards from her shoulders, over her flanks, and catching the tiny panties en route as he pulled them over her long legs. He went down on his knees as he lowered the slight garment, letting Emily pull out one foot at a time. He tossed them behind him and, on a sudden impulse, leaned forwards and planted a firm kiss on the smooth skin just above her fine, blonde pubic hair and then another on her sex itself, causing Emily to suck in her breath and moan in response. He stood and pulled her full length against him. She held him close for a second or two and then reached inside the boxers to firmly squeeze his rigid organ. "Off," was her quiet vocal response and Don quickly slipped the boxers down and kicked them away. Once again they pulled each other close, hands running over naked skin, lips and tongues trying to devour each other.

Suddenly Don bent and lifted the nude girl. She kicked her shoes free as he moved her to the bed to lay her down. He stood just looking down at her for several seconds while Emily looked back, her gaze locked on the rigid organ standing out from his groin. Suddenly she was overwhelmed by a desire she had never known. She already had felt herself become wet and was quite aroused. She had been turned on before while making out but she had never experienced the intense desire she now unexpectedly felt. She had never tried oral sex before but now the exploding strength of her arousal overwhelmed her and she gave in to it, suddenly moving to place her mouth on the head of the hot organ now pointing at her. Don threw back his head and made an inarticulate sound in his throat. But a second later the sound became even stronger as Emily engulfed the end of his organ in her mouth, letting her tongue and lips play with the shaft.

Although Emily had never done this before she now felt a strong urge to continue, but Don halted her with "Not yet. Please not yet, Emily. I want more."

Reluctantly she withdrew and looked up at his face, letting her tongue wipe over her lips. "So do I , Don." She lay back and held out her arms. "Come here."

Don lay down beside her on the bed and each reached for the other, pulling together into a tight embrace, bare skin touching from lips to ankles. Don's hands roamed over her body, stopping to roll her nipples and squeeze her breasts. In response Emily's fingers dug hard into his buttocks. Don moved one of his hands lower and gently stroked her opening a couple of times before pushing a finger inside her. "You are soaked," he said in surprise.

Emily laughed. "Maybe it's the rain." Then as Don moved a second finger to join the first she sucked in her breath hard and said, "Maybe it's something else. Oh, Don, that feels wonderful!"

For several minutes they played with each other, both becoming more excited by the second until finally Emily gasped, "Now, Don. Take me now."

Don moved above her, supporting himself on his hands as Emily guided him to her entrance. He gently pushed the head of his organ into her until he felt a little resistance. Emily looked into his eyes and breathed, "Yes. Do it now," and pulled hard on his ass. Don drove forward. There was a little resistance, but not much. Emily felt just a quick sharp tear and then her world was filled with sensations she had only imagined in the past. As he slid in as deeply as possible she again said in a near whisper, "Yes! Oh that feels so wonderful! Do it, Don. Fuck me!"

Her words made Don respond more than he would have expected and instantly the two of them were driving hard against each other in the ancient rhythm. Emily felt herself climbing higher and faster than she ever had from making out or from her actions in her own self play. The fire was raging and overwhelming her as her pleasure continued to increase exponentially. Her vocal response grew in both intensity and volume and suddenly she felt the convulsions rising to a peak and then, just as Don reached his own climax and the first hot spurt entered her, her world exploded. She felt pieces of herself flying apart leaving in the wake only a misty void broken by exploding stars and sparks.

When she opened her eyes Don was still above her, still inside her, his breathing slowing slightly. "That was incredible! I never dreamed it could be like that."

Don smiled down at her. "I take it you liked it?"

""More than I could have imagined. Did you like it, Don."

He laughed. "Emily, I haven't had that much experience but that was unlike any other time. It was fantastic." Then he slowly added, "You came, didn't you? I've heard that almost never happens the first time."

"I've heard that also. I guess who ever said that was wrong. At least about us." She wrapped her arms more tightly around him and pulled him down on top of her."

"I must be squishing you," he said.

"If so, I like it. Oh, Don, I love this . Everything about this." Then she was quiet for a second or so. "I want more."

"You will get no argument along those lines from me," Don responded. "We have all night. For that matter we have until Sunday night."

Emily smiled up at him. "Yes, that sounds wonderful. Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"If I didn't want that you should be getting me to the ER. Of course, Emily. I would love it if you would sleep with me tonight." He hesitated for a second or so. "Do you need to go to your apartment and get something to wear?"

Coyly she looked up at him. "Do you want me wearing something? I usually sleep nude or at most a nightshirt."

"I think you are dressed perfectly. I generally sleep that way also. I wouldn't mind if you stayed naked until Sunday night."

Emily felt a shiver and smiled. "I think that might be fun, but probably tomorrow I should go get some more casual clothes. If Lynn is there when I come back Sunday night dressed like this, I can imagine what she would say." She saw the expression on Don's face and said, "I mean dressed like I was when we went out tonight. I can't even imagine what she would say if I arrived dressed like this." Then she asked, "Do you want me to stay here until Sunday night, Don?"

"As long as you want it too, I would love it. Emily, you are fantastic. And hotter in bed than any woman I've heard about." He stopped for a couple of seconds. "I didn't make you too sore, did I?"

"No, actually I don't really feel too sore at all. I suspect my hymen was already mostly gone already." Then she added, "I've always been a rather active girl. Just not sexually, but I think that is going to change. At least if you want to be active with me."

"More than you can imagine, Lover." The word sent shivers up and down Emily's spine. Yes, now she had a lover.

For the next two hours the couple lay together, cuddling and caressing each other, kissing and gently touching. Sometime Emily found that Don was once again rigid and as she grasped his turgid organ he responded with a low moan. Still holding his rampant shaft, Emily leaned forwards, her breasts and hardened nipples sliding up his bare chest, until her lips were next to his ear. Gently biting his ear lobe, she whispered, "I want you again, Don." Then the tip of her tongue slid around the inside of his ear, tracing the curves.

Don responded, bringing his mouth to her chest, catching a nipple in his lips and teeth and tugging it to and fro. His hand descended to her slit and as his fingers stroked and then pushed inside he found her already flooded. He kissed the other breast and started to roll Emily onto her back.

Suddenly, Emily pushed back, surprising him and before he had realized exactly what was happening, Don found himself on his own back with Emily moving a leg to either side of his thighs. His face showed surprise but before he could say anything, Emily raised a finger to her lips. "I want to try this. OK?" Don relaxed and simply nodded slightly as Emily reached to guide his organ to her entrance before letting herself slid downwards to bury him as deeply inside herself as she could. For long seconds she simply remained still, penetrated as far as possible, and then she began to move.

Slowly at first, but then with increasing speed, Emily began to first roll her hips back and fourth and then to rise and fall. Don's hands went to cup her ass as she moved both up and down and back and forth, controlling the path of his straining cock as it responded to the most incredible sensation he had ever experienced. He continued to let the girl control their actions, his hands playing with hor smooth bottom or sometimes moving to roll and gently pinch her rigid nipples.

Emily was finding this experience as fantastic as the previous time and in the process discovering a host of new sensations. Unsurprisingly, Don lasted somewhat longer this time but before too long he began to feel himself tense, muscles tightening, his ejaculation rapidly approaching. "Emily! I'm going to come. I can't hold off much longer."

Her own breath coming in quick gasps, Emily replied, "Then don't."

Don tried to drive upwards harder and Emily responded by pressing herself down even more firmly. As Don strained against her she felt her own climax approaching rapidly and when Don suddenly cried, "Fuck!" and pressed hard, clasping her ass as tightly as he could, she felt herself go over the top and shatter in another orgasm, leaving her dissociated and lost for long moments.

As the couple came back to reality, they hugged each other tightly, Don still engulfed in Emily's hot passage. Their whispered words came at the same time. "Unbelievable!" "So wonderful!" They continued to hold each other tightly until finally Don began to shrink and slipped free and they once again rolled onto their sides, still clinging tightly to each other.

Before they arose the next morning, they had made love another three times. Emily could feel muscles unused to such exercises and, if truth be told, Don was also finding parts of his anatomy feeling a bit strained. But neither seemed to mind.

They did make a trip back to Emily's apartment where she changed into some more casual clothing and hung the dress back in her closet. She stuffed a couple of small things into her backpack before they returned to Don's place, but once there they wasted no time in again shedding their clothing.

Emily spent the next two days without ever leaving Don's apartment and really did spend nearly all of it naked. At one point Don remarked, "You don't seem to mind staying nude. It doesn't seem to bother you at all, does it?"

Emily shook her head. "Not really, I guess. I've never done it this much before but it isn't entirely new. I mean John and I often went skinny dipping together." She looked at the expression on his face and laughed. "Just swimming. Nothing sexual at all. I mean it just seemed natural to us."

Don shook his had back and forth. "Well, whatever the reason, I hope you like it. I love seeing you like this and hope to keep you so dressed a lot." He stopped for a few seconds. "I want to keep doing this with you, Emily. I mean, the sex is fantastic, but it's a lot more than that. You must know I find you wildly attractive." Once again he stopped for long seconds. Then, quietly, he added, "I think I may even be falling in love with you."

Emily found she had been holding her breath. Just as quietly she said, "I've been thinking the same. I think there is a very good chance I'm falling it love with you also."

With somewhat surprised but happy looks on both of their faces they stood looking at one another for two minutes or more. Then without a word or anything else, they slowly came together for a long, long kiss and before too many more minutes were once again engaged in far more intimate activity than kissing.

By the time Don brought Emily back to her apartment on Sunday night, they had made love a total of fourteen times and both were occasionally moving a little gingerly. It wasn't always slow and gentle. Several times could only really be described as fucking, not lovemaking. Emily had discovered she loved actual sex. She had known she loved necking, petting and the erotic activities in which she had participated in the past, but these new experienced dwarfed any of those. They had tried both sides of oral sex and both had loved these experiences. Emily could almost not believe how Don's lips and tongue on her most sensitive areas excited her beyond anything she had experienced. The other side had not repulsed her in the least and she found that having Don explode into her mouth, far from turning her off, actually triggered her own climax.

They had tried several different positions and the time Don had bent her over the side of the bed and pounded her from behind had driven her into an orgasm so strong that for a short time she actually lost consciousness and took long seconds to orient herself once she again became aware.

Emily was definitely finding that she loved sex but she was also thinking more and more that she was seriously falling for Dion and she thought he might be feeling the same way.

CHAPTER 6

When Emily had come into the apartment Sunday night, Lynn had already returned a half hour earlier. The two girls spent a few minutes talking and then Lynn looked at Emily. For several long seconds she studied her friend and finally said, "You know, I think maybe you might have had a rather exciting Thanksgiving."

Emily felt herself flush but managed to reply, although a little uncertainly, "What do you mean?"

Lynn smiled. "It's just that there's this look about you." After a couple of seconds she smiled and said, "Spent a lot of time with Don?"

Emily definitely felt herself go a bit red. "We did do a few things together. He took me to dinner Thursday."

Lynn slightly shook her head. "I'll bet you two did a few other things together, too." Then seeing the look on Emily's face she quickly added, "I'm not trying to pry. Don't say anything if you don't want to. I just hope it was good."

Emily took a deep breath. "Yes, Lynn, it was good. Very good."

Lynn smiled. "I'm glad."

Over the next month Emily and Don saw a lot of each other. Besides classes, they went out two or three times a week and most times spent a little time back at Don's apartment. Generally in his bed.

The semester ended and Emily made the trip home for the Christmas break. Those three weeks apart from Don left her feeling, not really lonely, but definitely missing him, even though they exchanged e-mail a couple of times a day. When the next semester neared, Emily went back to school three days early and spent most of them with Don. In fact, they didn't get dressed at all for nearly two of them.

Don and Emily had two classes in common that semester, and frequently spent time in study together. But they also spent a lot of time doing other things as well. Not just sex, although they managed that several times a week. But they enjoyed other activities together. By now, both realized they were truly falling in love.

Lynn was also quite aware of their interest in each other. Emily had become more relaxed with their relationship and by then Lynn knew they had been sleeping together. Emily already knew the Lynn and Jim were doing so. This made things a little easier when one or the other of them decided to spend a night away from the apartment. In fact, it wasn't totally unusual for the apartment to be empty for most of a weekend.

Spring break was coming. Emily hadn't originally been planning on going home over the break but now gave some serious thought to it. She had let her parents know about meeting Don and becoming involved with him, but certainly not to the extent of their involvement. Still, they had both become serious about each other and now she considered this. She finally decided to ask Don to come home with her over break and meet her parents. Her parents were looking forward to meeting him and Don was equally ready.

He mentioned that he would like to see John again, but John would not be there this time. He couldn't get away then but hoped to make it home during the summer. He, Emily and Don all agreed to try and get together then.

John had a job as a heavy equipment mechanic with a small firm in a city near Louisville and was involved with a girl named Linda. Emily and John were still quite close, even if they rarely saw each other. With e-mail and phones it didn't seem to matter quite as much as Emily had thought it would when they first were apart. She knew that John was seriously thinking of marrying Linda and John was aware that Emily and Don were also quite serious about each other. Emily had even confided that she and Don were sleeping together and John had given his strong approval. "I doubt you could have picked better, Em."

The third week of March Don and Emily drove to her parents place. Emily commented that riding in the little sports car made a much more interesting trip than the bus she usually took. Don leaned over and nibbled at her ear. "I could make it even more interesting when we get there."

Emily sucked in her breath. Her parents were not aware that they shared a bed at times and Emily wasn't ready to tell them just yet, so both knew he would be in a separate room. In fact, they both knew they would have had a lot more chance at such activities had they remained at school, but still that maybe a chance for something might develop.

When they finally pulled up at her house and Emily's parents met Don for the first time, everything went better than they could have hoped. While they had never met Don before, John had often talked about him and they were well prepared to like the man who had been their son's friend.

Over dinner Don had to again tell the story of how John had saved him and the others that day and Emily could easily see the pride in her parents' eyes as Don painted a picture of their hero son. For that matter, her own eyes probably conveyed the same feelings for her big brother.

Emily and Don spent four days with her parents. Late in the afternoon of the third day, Emily said, "Don, I want to show you some place kind of special."

He looked a little surprised but interested. "Sure."

She took his hand and led him up the path to the hilltop with the ancient maple. "This is my favorite place and has been for as long as I can remember. I used to come up here as a kid and when I started to study for the engineering subjects, I frequently came up here to work. I love it up here at every season but especially summer evenings. Just look at the view." She swept her arm around where the setting sun was still illuminating the peaks to the east and where some thick, white clouds floated just above the distant mountains to the north. And finally down to where the ground was already infused with the color of purple violets and yellow dandelions. A little way down the hillside redbuds were just beginning to come out with a trace of their pink color beginning to show.

Don looked around and let his arm rest around Emily's shoulder. "It is lovely. Almost as lovely as you. I can easily see how you could find it such a nice place."

Emily smiled. "Just wait until you see it in summer at twilight." Her eyes closed and Don could tell she was lost in memories of other times. Then suddenly she turned to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Kiss me."

For several long minutes the couple stood, locked in a tight embrace. When at last they opened their eyes, the sun had just dropped below the horizon. The air was quite warm for late March but it was still early enough that no bugs were out to cause a problem. As they pulled slightly apart, Emily tugged Don's hand and pulled him over to the big maple. He sat, his back against the trunk and Emily sat on his lap. Soon they were once again engaged in some serious kissing. Hands began to roam a little and breathing came a little faster and more ragged.

"Don." Emily said.

"Yes, Lover."

"Don. Make love to me. Right here."

Don looked around. "Don't worry, Don. No one will see us up here."

Don relaxed and over the next hour the two lovers lost themselves in each other. When at last, somewhat sated, they began to gather their clothes and get dressed, a first quarter moon had risen and was spreading its pale light over the land. This was enough for them to easily see as they made their way back down the path to the house.

They returned to school soon enough to give them three days before classes started. They spent most of it in Don's apartment, naked and enjoying each other. Emily had been a virgin not too many months previously and had been with no one else except Don. But from the very first time she had found herself completely enthralled with the activity, always becoming quickly aroused and almost always reaching an all engulfing climax. Don didn't have a lot of experience either but he viewed Emily as the hottest woman he had ever known or even imagined. In truth, the two of them enjoyed their sexual activity more than either had ever imagined possible.

Now she had no desire to be anywhere except with Don. Reluctantly, the night before classes began, Emily returned to her own apartment to find that Lynn had been doing something similar with Jim.

Classes resumed and the semester progressed. Don and Emily became even more enthralled with each other and one day in late April, after supper, Emily and Lynn sat down to talk.

A bit nervously Emily began. "Lynn, it's getting time to think about the apartment lease for next year."

Before she could go on, Lynn, also a bit nervous, said, "Yes. The lease runs out the end of May." Hesitating just a second she added, "Did you want to renew it again for another year?"

Emily took a deep breath. She couldn't put it off any longer and said, "Actually, Lynn, Don and I are going to share his. I don't want to ..."

Before she could finish the sentence, Lynn let out the breath she had been holding. "You are?!? Jim and I decided we want to get an apartment together, too."

Emily looked startled. "You are? I was afraid I'd be letting you down."

Lynn laughed. "I was afraid I'd be the one letting you down."

The two girls laughed and then hugged each other. "Have you two found a place?" Emily asked.

"No, I wasn't sure what you'd want to do about this place." Then suddenly Lynn's eyes opened wide. "If you are moving to Don's, then Jim and I could share this apartment."

"Sure. That way you won't even have to move your stuff."

For the next half hour the girls excitedly talked about their plans, each stopping to call her boyfriend to tell of the developments.

The semester ended. Emily and Don both decided to stay and take a course the first half of summer term. While they did need the course, they could probably have fit it in during their senior year, but this gave them an excuse to stay together for at least part of the summer.

Emily moved her things over to Don's apartment and Jim moved in with Lynn. Emily made no mention of the move to her parents. It wouldn't make any change to her e-mail or phone and if they happened to mail anything, well, Lynn would just let her know.

The first night Emily spent there and slipped into bed with Don, she was suddenly overcome with the strong emotion that she would like to do this every night. Every night for the rest of her life. She and Don always slept bare and as she snuggled against his body a feeling of contentment and, yes, completeness, swept over her. They made love that night as they did every night they spent together. Both were finding they could never get enough of each other and now the idea that they would be together every day made their actions that much sweeter.

Their course ended in mid July. Emily had been corresponding with John and they had arranged to both go home for a week, the last week of July. Emily asked Don to come home with her for a week but didn't mention to Don that John was planning on doing so also. He agreed although both griped that they wouldn't be able to sleep together for that week. Emily smiled. "I'm sure we can manage something, though. There's a lot of open, empty country around there."

On a Sunday, the last week of July, Don and Emily pulled up to the house again. Emily's parents heard the car and were outside to meet them as they emerged from the Porsche. Everyone greeted each other with hugs and handshakes.

Then the door opened again and John stepped outside. Don looked around at the sound and then froze. Slowly he pulled himself to attention and raised his arm in a snappy salute. "Captain. Only once before have I been so happy to see you."

John pulled himself to attention and returned the salute. "No more than I am to see you, Sergeant." Then both men dropped the military attitude and moved together in a hard embrace. "How are you, Don?'

"Great, John. Largely thanks to you." Then with a wide smile he added, "And thanks to your sister."

A lot of the afternoon was filled with the two friends catching up with each other even though they had been corresponding by e-mail for over a year now.

The fourth day they were there, John, Don and Emily made their way to the old maple on the hilltop. They spent a couple of hours sitting beneath it, discussing their plans and what they had been doing. Don and Emily would both be graduating as civil engineers the next May and were looking forward to actually working in the field, although neither knew exactly what they would be doing quite yet. John revealed that he planned on asking Linda to marry him and the other two congratulated him on finding her.

Near sunset John looked around and then at the other two. "I think I'll head back down." He smiled at them. "I expect you two want to be alone for a little while."

Halfheartedly Emily said, "You don't have to go, John."

John gave her a look. "Little Sister, I know better than that." Emily turned a bit red but John's smile removed any tension. He turned and headed down the path.

When he had gone out of sight, Emily tried to recover by saying, "I told you the view was fantastic in July, didn't I?" The two looked around at how the setting sun was tinging the clouds with gold. The evening was beginning to cool, fireflies starting to rise from the grass and first an owl and then a whippoorwill sent their calls to break the silence of the twilight.

Don let his gaze sweep all around and then brought it back to Emily. "Yes, but I still say you are the best view I have ever seen." He moved and sat against the maple trunk. "Come over here, my lovely girl."

Emily moved and arranged herself on his lap. The next few minutes were spent in kissing. When they pulled slightly apart, Don began. "Emily."

"That's me," she responded brightly.

"Emily, I have found I've definitely fallen deeply in love with you."

Her eyes became moist and she replied, "No more than I have with you, Don."

"Emily, I love you. I want to spend my life with you. Will you marry me?"

Emily stopped breathing for several seconds. She had not anticipated this. In some near future, perhaps. In fact, quite likely. But then emotion flooded her and her arms tightened around him. "Yes. Yes! Oh, Don, I can't imagine anything I'd like more."

He smiled. "Hold out your hand." He reached for Emily's left hand and slipped a ring on her finger.

Emily stared down at the diamond solitaire on a white gold band. Then her arms went more tightly around Don and she whispered in his ear. "Yes, Don, I love you. I love you and I want you to make love to me. Now."

"I can think of nothing I'd like more right now. But we'll make love to each other." And they did.

Later when they returned to the house, Emily showed her ring, a little apprehension at what her parents' reaction might be. She need not have worried. They were almost as excited as she was. Well, almost. John's reaction hadn't worried her as much. She knew he would approve.

Plans were made for the marriage after graduation the next year. Some time during the next two days Emily's parents indicated that they would not be surprised if the two lived together their senior year. Emily was non-committal but relaxed with the idea that she could let them know sometime in the not too distant future.

CHAPTER 7

Senior year was an incredible time for Don and Emily. Engineering courses, especially at this level, were not something that could be ignored. They required intensive work and a lot of study time. However, with both of them in the same field, and, in fact, with mostly the same courses, they were able to spend adequate time in study.

But there were other things, too. Both had lived in apartments and so were familiar with the cooking, cleaning and other tasks required. However, somehow sharing them with each other made them new and more exciting, rather than boring. Both liked to cook and enjoyed fixing meals together. They still went out on dates as they had the last year, still engaged in other activities, but now each night they got to slip into bed together.

Both Don and Emily had found that sex was exciting beyond anything they had ever anticipated. Emily was beginning to think she was nearly insatiable and both of them were ecstatic with this concept. They found themselves making love - or just plain fucking - two or three times a day. Usually in the morning before they rose and definitely every night. In fact, it was very rare for a night to pass without such activity. The only time there were two such nights in a row was when Emily came down with a case of flu, but she insisted they make up for the lack the next week.

They were finding themselves more in love each day and their interest in sex never diminished in the slightest, but rather seemed to increase as they learned more about each other. Both considered themselves lucky beyond belief in this respect.

Almost without their being their being aware of it, the semester drew to a close. Suddenly one day in May they realized that in another two weeks they would be graduating, finally realizing their dreams of becoming engineers.

Emily's parents, as well as John and Linda, were coming to campus for the graduation ceremonies. Don had no close relatives beyond his father, who was coming. His mother had died several years earlier and he was an only child.

When the day finally arrived, everyone got together for lunch before the five o'clock ceremony. Emily had met Don's father when he had taken her home one weekend and now she met Linda for the first time. Linda was an attractive, dark haired girl, and Emily and she took to each other immediately.

Everyone asked about their plans. Don and Emily had both found a job with a very small engineering firm in a town some hundred miles off. In fact, small might have been too big a word to describe it. The company, Hickory Engineering, was owned by an older engineer, Frank Stevens. He was in his sixties and expected to retire in the next few years but wanted someone to eventually take over the company. Emily and Don had met him through a friend of a friend kind of thing and the three of them had hit it off quite well. Frank had offered them positions - admittedly at somewhat lower salaries than they might have obtained elsewhere - but with the idea that if everything worked out they might be able to buy the company from him in a few years. Besides the three of them, there would only be one other employee who managed the office side of things.

Don and Emily had spent some serious time discussing the offer. True, they could make more money elsewhere but there were some definite advantages to this. For one, the firm was located in the eastern part of the state, a geography they both loved. Most of the work was semi- isolated. Road construction or remote buildings. A chance to work outside in rural territory. And, of course, the possibility of actually owning their own business in the not too distant future. In the end they jumped at the opportunity.

Their other big plans were also a topic of conversation. The wedding. They had decided to get married the seventh of July. Their work with Hickory would begin the first of August and this would give them a chance for a honeymoon as well as to find an apartment and get everything settled before the wedding. Although neither would tell anyone just what their honeymoon plans were, they had decided to make a camping trip into some of the backcountry. Both enjoyed hiking and camping and the idea of spending a couple of weeks away from everyone except each other really appealed. Not to mention that it would be relatively inexpensive. Neither had a lot of money. Emily's scholarships and grants had ended as had Don's GI bill. They had some saved but neither wanted to blow it all on a big trip just then.

There was also the matter of the wedding itself. Emily knew her parents could not afford to spend a lot on a wedding. Fortunately she had never envisioned a big wedding herself. She did want a formal ceremony, but not really anything big. No huge cake or expensive dress. What she did want was Don, and she could have that without a lot of expensive trimmings. She did want a formal ceremony. Not just a room at the county seat. Just nothing too fancy.

She and Don had discussed this and had found that he was in perfect agreement with her ideas. When it came to discussing a location, at first neither had any real ideas. Then suddenly Emily froze. Her eyes opened wide and she said, "Don. What would you say to an outdoor wedding?"

"Fine with me, as long as it's to you. Did you have somewhere in particular in mind?"

"Well, yes. As long as you'd like it, too. I was thinking about up on the hilltop at home. You know, my favorite place under the big maple."

She held her breath but saw Don's face immediately light up. "I think that would be perfect!" Then he added, "As long as it isn't raining."

They had decided that the guests would be limited to family and just a few friends. John was acting as best man and Lynn was to be Emily's bridesmaid. Her parents, Don's father, Linda and a couple of friends from school would be it. Instead of a formal reception, it was decided that Emily's parents would provide a nice country dinner outside after the ceremony. Thankfully, everyone involved seemed quite happy with these arrangements.

As five o'clock neared, Emily and Don separated from the others and headed over to don their caps and gowns while the others found seats for the proceedings. Just at five, the strains of Pomp and Circumstance sounded and with a few short speeches they were soon walking across the stage to receive their degrees. After the recessional, they reunited with the family and were talking about were to go for supper when suddenly a voice behind them said, "Emily. Don."

The pair turned to see Professor Branson approaching. He was still dressed in his regalia, gown, stole and hood with a mortarboard cap. Surprised, Emily responded, "Professor Branson." As he came up to them she introduced the others. After greetings and a few comments he turned back to the two newly made engineers.

"Emily, Don. Congratulations. You have both been really outstanding students. Don, I have been really impressed with how you have worked, coming back to a field you had left, and especially after what you went through before doing so. And Emily. Seven years ago I first saw you looking at those displays over in the Engineering building and the first impression I had was of a hungry kid outside a candy store. No, that's not quite right. More of a kid staring at the window of a toy store at something he longed for but never thought he could have. Then as soon as I began to talk with you I saw something else. I saw intelligence, desire and determination. I knew even then that you would never quit until you had what you wanted so much. I have never been disappointed in you. In either of you."

Emily looked at her mentor. "Professor Branson, if it hadn't been for you I doubt I would ever have even come close. You have been more help to me that I can ever say."

"Oh, Emily, you have said thanks to me at least a million times. I was just in a position to provide a little help. But you did it and I never had any doubt you would. The same for you, Don."

Both thanked him. Then he slowly looked from one to the other. "I know you two are planning to get married in another month or so. I don't believe either of you could have made a better choice." He stopped for a couple of seconds before going on. "In all the years I have been teaching I have never done anything like this and I probably never will again, but you two are unique." He reached into a bag he was carrying and pulled out a wrapped box, some eight inches square. "I don't know that it would be completely ethical to give you a graduation gift since I don't for other students, but we can call this an early wedding gift."

Emily quickly spoke. "Professor Branson, you don't need to do that. You've done so much for us already."

He smiled. "I know I don't have to. I want to. I have never felt an urge quite like this with any other students, but, as I said, you two are unique. Please accept this. In fact, please open it now."

The look in his eyes did more than anything else to convince them. Emily and Don glanced at each other, exchanging information with their eyes, until finally Emily said, "All right, professor. Thank you."

She accepted the gift and at Don's urging, started to open it. When the wrappings were removed and the box opened, they saw an antique brass transit. "This was an old instrument my father obtained shortly after he entered the field himself. It sat in my study at home for years. I'll be retiring in another year or so and I think it only right that it should go to someone now starting in the field."

Don and Emily both looked at him, for the moment unable to say anything. Before they could find their voices, Professor Branson continued, "Don't go trying to tell me I shouldn't. None of my kids - all grown now - were interested in the field. If I gave it to one of them, it would stay in the back of a closet until after I died and then be disposed of. I would much rather it go to someone who appreciates it. I believe you two will."

They finally were both able to thank him profusely. Finally Emily was able to say, "Thank you, Professor Branson. Thank you. You made my dream possible and this will always have a place of pride."

Don interjected, "I feel the same, Professor Branson."

"Well, you two are no longer my students, so you can drop the Professor'. Call me Ted."

"I don't know if I can do that," Emily responded.

"Well, try. And, again, congratulations to both of you."

He shook hands with Don and turned to shake Emily's hand. She took his hand and then, on impulse, pulled herself up and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Hey, you don't want to get me in trouble for harassing one of my students, now do you?"

Emily could tell he wasn't serious and was probably just trying to cover his embarrassment. She smiled at him. "As you just pointed out, I am no longer your student, so you don't need to worry." Then with a more serious expression she said, "Thank you. You'll never know just how much your help and encouragement has meant to me."

Finally, the professor said goodbye and left.

Six weeks later, on a perfect summer day with no rain, the group assembled on the hilltop. As Emily had wanted the ceremony took place just at twilight. Her local minister performed the ceremony, and when he finally said, "You may now kiss the bride," neither Don nor Emily hesitated.

Later, under the light of a nearly full moon and some paper lanterns and a few candles, everyone sat down to a late supper of fried chicken at picnic tables outside Emily's house.

Although the offer of a room was made by Emily's parents, Don and Emily decided to drive to a nearby town and stay at a motel before heading out on their camping trip the next day. After all, it wasn't like they hadn't spent the night together before. Still, it had been some time since they had had a chance and even though their wedding night wasn't truly a first time, it was still something unique. Neither got much sleep that night.

EPILOGUE

"They're here!" John heard his parents call from the front of the house.

It was July and John, his wife, Linda, and their kids, David and Sara, were home visiting. Now Emily and her family had also arrived.

"Hey, kids, your cousin is here," John called as he and Linda started around from the back of the house.

For the next twenty minutes everyone seemed to be talking at once as Emily and Don and their ten year old Lisa spoke with everyone already there.

David, Sara and Lisa soon ran out back to play while the rest gathered around a table outside the back door. Emily's father asked, "Em, are you going to be able to stay the whole week?"

"Sure, Dad, we have that scheduled in."

John remarked, "I don't see how you two manage it with all the road trips you need to make."

Don laughed. "Road trips? Most of our trips are to make new roads."

"Still," John commented, "with a ten year old and two working parents, it must be pretty difficult."

Emily started to explain. "John, we work for our own company so we can set our schedules when we write the contracts. In general any trips during the school year we try to hold to only a couple of days. Lisa can stay with friends. We take their kids in return some times and it all seems to work out. During summer and school breaks, she comes with us - unless she's here visiting her grandparents." She turned to smile at her mom and dad who smiled back. "She likes traveling with us. After all, to her it's like a big vacation. For that matter, it's a lot like that for us, too. Also we schedule in trips like this one to here right from the beginning and just don't take on anything else during that time."

"Well, whatever," John replied, "it seems to work out all right. It's good to see you, Sis. And, Don, I'm always happy to see you."

"Me, too, but never as happy I was to see you come around the Humvee that day." Everyone knew the story even though John never mentioned it himself. Now he just smiled in return.

Later, after dinner, everyone walked up the hill to the old maple. Anyone who did not already know would never have guessed that John had one foot made of metal. It never seemed to slow him at all. For half an hour they admired the late afternoon view while the three kids ran around and played. Then John said, "I think we'll take the kids back down now. They've had a busy day and Sara has missed her nap."

Emily's dad said, "We'll come on down with you." Then he turned and asked, "What about you, Em?"

She turned and glanced at Don, their eyes exchanging a secret look. "I think we three will stay up here a little longer, Dad. Watch the sun go down. We'll be along in a little while."

The four adults and two kids started back down the path to the house while Don and Emily moved over to the big maple, seating themselves, Emily on Don's lap, and leaning back against the trunk. Lisa sat in the grass a few yards away, making a chain of some of the white clover blooms she had picked.

Emily looked up at Don. "I love you."

Don smiled. "And I love you, as we both know. Still, it is nice to hear it once in a while."

Emily laughed. "Once in a while. Has there ever been a day when we didn't both say so?"

"Not for a long, long time. Not to mention you prove it to me every night."

"Well, so do you. In fact, if Lisa weren't here I'd let you prove it right now." With a glance to make sure Lisa wasn't watching, she let her hand slide over Don's groin, bringing a sharp intake of breath from him.

He pulled her into a deep kiss. Neither minded if Lisa saw that. After all, it certainly wasn't anything unusual. When they pulled slightly apart he whispered, "Why don't we let her go down by herself in a few minutes and we could stay a little longer."

Emily sucked in her breath. "Sounds like a good idea to me, Lover."

"I have also been thinking," Don slowly said after a few seconds, "that when we have that preliminary survey in three weeks, why don't we let Lisa stay with her grandparents and just the two of us go. She has had one long trip this summer already and will get another two weeks before school starts again. We deserve some time by ourselves."

"That sounds like it might be a lot of fun."

"We'd just be by ourselves for two whole weeks., Don went on. "No neighbors, no towns, no civilization. Just the two of us. We'd still have to do the survey, but I'm sure we could arrange enough time for some skinny dipping and making love outside."

Emily smiled. "Yes, that sounds wonderful. The two of us, outside, naked, making love in the afternoon sun and under the pines with the full moon shining through." She could tell that her words were exciting her husband. OK, they were exciting her as well. Again they merged in a deep kiss.

For another ten minutes they just sat together, Emily on Don's lap, watching the sun sink below the ridges, the clouds turning to molten gold. It had been a long time since Emily had first sat beneath this tree. But to the ancient maple, time didn't mean quite the same. To the old tree ten years, twenty years, even fifty or more meant nothing.

As dusk began to fall, the twilight fading, the first stars began to appear. Suddenly Emily became aware that Lisa was looking up and heard her quietly say, "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight ..."

Lisa closed her eyes, letting the quiet evening flow into her. Near by, but not visible to the three on the hilltop, a thirteen year old Emily looked on. And just behind her a pretty young Cherokee girl smiled and raised her hand in silent approval.