The Greener Field

Over the Hills and Far Away

            On Monday evening Sarah set her alarm for three AM. She made a point that night to get to bed by ten PM, as the next day would begin before sunrise. She wondered how the whole ballooning experience would go, but felt somehow more secure knowing Jess was orchestrating the entire excursion. Upon waking at the ungodly hour, she took a quick shower to awaken her senses and drank a cup of vanilla flavored coffee, hastily brewed while she got dressed. Just like clockwork, Jess Danford pressed the buzzer of her gate at the witching hour of  four AM.

            "Who's there," she asked, half in jest, knowing who it was.

            "Your local kidnapper," Jess said softly into the speaker. "I've come to abduct you for the day. And I demand that you to open this gate!"

            The electronic switch buzzed for him and the latch was freed. In the absence of any morning light Jess proceeded up to Sarah's apartment in the damp, coastal air. When let in, he greeted her with a boyish smile.

            "You ready?" he asked eagerly, leaning forward to kiss her on the lips.

            She noticed he was dressed the most casually she had seen him yet, even while on Santorini. He sported military style camouflage pants with black Nike running shoes, and a tan, warm-looking windbreaker. His hair seemed to be still wet, suggesting he also had a shower that morning. Sarah could detect that lemon fresh cologne once again on him, making his delicious presence near her as they embraced briefly. It seemed to be a hint of more romantic moments to come. These she now felt herself anticipating fully and tried to slow down her eagerness by making some obligatory conversation.

            "So what else should I be bringing with me . . .  on this important mission, Captain Jess?" 

            "Just a warm jacket and . . .  your courage, Sarah."

            He stepped back, holding her two hands, and sized up her choice of attire. It was a forest green athletic running suit, closely fit to her body, and new white trainers. Her hair was pulled back and tied into a ponytail, giving her the look of a college girl on a science outing to the countryside.

            "You're stunning," he added, smiling again, as his eyes caught hers. It was an adoring look, and one she felt she needed to see for the day to go well.

            "OK then! So let's move," Jess said enthusiastically.

            "Lead the way," Sarah responded, throwing the strap of a gray canvass day bag over her shoulder to carry her wallet, cell phone, a hair brush and hand lotion.

The two made it out onto the street where a different car--a black, 4x4 off-road vehicle waited for them.

            "New Car?" she inquired as they got in and put on their seat-belts.

            "No. I've just got this client . . . He has a huge car leasing businesses. Here in San Diego,  LA and San Francisco . . . All the high end stuff. He gets me anything I need while I'm over here on the west coast. I'm not really into cars, but . . .yeah. It's a nice perk with him."

            "Sweet." She said, settling into the comfortable bucket seat. They pulled away from the curb and loudly rolled out onto the empty, dark roadway. Within a few minutes, Jess had navigated onto Interstate 15 and they were cruising northwards towards Los Angeles.

            While en route, Jess seemed charged by the experience of having Sarah with him again. And she too was exited by the outing, for Sarah could tell he was a man of action. The Jeep and whole idea of leaving the earth on balloons seem to suit Jess' energetic personality. Somehow his description of being on "business" in San Diego did not jibe with the day's itinerary, yet she did not care. The fact was, she now looked forward to being with him again under any circumstance.