Youth's Dew

Chapter 23

Heif

Having ordered Joven home to wait for his wife, I begin my hunt for the very mischievous, Karmony. Thinking of where she could be on a late Wednesday evening, I systematically start searching in all the restaurants, no luck. From there, I try the library, again no luck, my eyes scan the Hot Springs Pond; nope. Reflection Room perhaps? Seriously doubt it, I snort. Where could she be? Maybe her house?

I know she lives in the Inga vicinage; I start walking that way. Just as I'm starting my steps inside, I nearly collide with Hattie, who's hurrying out of the tunnel.

"Excuse me, Hattie, I didn't see you there. My apologies for bumping you," I smile and try to move past her.

"Oh Heif, you can bump me any time," she shrills with laughter and rubs my forearm. Looking down at her hand on my arm, I'm reminded what Joven said about his feelings when Karmony touches him. Nothing, he feels nothing, and I now know what he means I feel the same about Hattie; nothing.

"Thank you," I say and move back out of her reach. "Have a good evening," and I walk a bit faster through the tunnel. Still hearing her shrill laughter in my head, and will probably hear it in my nightmares. I walk up to Karmony's door and I'm in luck, she answers on the first knock.

"Hattie, now isn't the.... Oh. Hi Heif, can I help you?" Karmony states as she swings the door open.

Well, I don't have to wonder why Hattie was in the Inga tunnel now. Could they be up to tricks together? Nah, it's just coincidence.

"Hey Karmony," I smile leaning against her door frame "Got a minute to talk?"

"Depends on what you're going to say," she crosses her arms over her chest in a defensive action, in return I place open palms towards her.

"Just wanted to ask you a few questions about Pann."

"Would you like to come inside," she gestures to her living room, but sounds more like what the spider said to the fly, come into my web. Being with her could be a start to something more, but the time just isn't right for us.

"Umm, no thank you. Can you tell me what you said to Pann on Summer Solstice? It seems there was a miscommunication between her and her husband over some traditions we have down here."

"Oh, just this and that. I was saddened to hear Chann would be leaving and going back to UpAbove," and she looks anything BUT saddened at this news.

"I think you mean Pann, and no reason to feel sad, she and Joven are on the right path now. We should hear the pitter, patter of little children in nine months," I throw in, just to test her feelings at the matter.

"Oh ... well... that IS good news," as she starts grinding her teeth. "I'm supposed to meet her at the City Hall tomorrow and I will wish her good luck in her new marriage, no harm done."

"Actually, I doubt anybody will see Joven or Pann out of their house tomorrow," more teeth grinding, yep, I'm definitely hitting a sore spot with Karmony, time to go in for the kill.

"Pann had some weird thought that Joven's Purity Ring belonged on the floor under the bed, odd huh? I'm not sure who would mislead her, but thank goodness the error was found out and the newlyweds can connect over and over again tonight," oh yeah, that hit a BIG nerve. Because her neck veins are pulsating, only one thing left to do, "Joven is married now, Karmony, let these feelings you have dissolve, and let's start again; agreed?" I hold out my hand for a handshake, but move it just in time.

"You need to mind your own business Heif, and I'll mind mine," as she slams the door in my face, barely missing my out stretched hand. Wow! When she's mad, her face really lights up, so darn sexy.

Putting those useless thoughts aside, I head back out the tunnel to go home. Exiting the tunnel, my eyes glance over and see Rory still sitting on the stone bench. I guess my job isn't done yet, till every new groom is reunited with their spouse.

"Hey Rory." I say and we shake hands, "are you still waiting on Megan?"

"Yes, what could take so long? How confused can one woman be?" and there sits another dejected husband.

"You know Rory, there is a very good chance both girls fell asleep. Why not go in and check?" And I turn to leave, "oh, and Rory, I've found a heartfelt apology goes a long way, and a good hug."

************************************

Joven

Now, THIS is the way to wake up, when you're married. I smile looking down at my wife, curled into my body, all warm and snuggly. All the drama this week was worth it, to get to this spot in our lives. She's in my arms, and I vow to never let miscommunication keep us apart again. Of course, all this started with some misleading information from Karmony. But best to just move forward from here and not bring up ill feelings. A soft feminine moan next to me, pulls me from my thoughts.

"Good morning husband," she all put purrs out my title, "should one of us make breakfast?"

Food?

Who needs food?

Never heard of it and certainly don't need it; maybe never again.

"Well wife, we raided the refrigerator of all the leftovers around 3am, so we might need groceries before any cooking can happen. But first, we need to take our elixir bath, and this time together," I smile wickedly.

"Husband, you can't be serious! Together?" She pulls the sheets up to her chin. "I don't know if I'm that brave. Do many couples bathe together?"

"Wife I would wager, over half our population was made in the elixir waters," and I wink while grabbing my wife, who is still wrapped in the sheets. Not stopping till we reach the bathroom.

"Okay, if you think it's not too kinky or anything?" Oh, Joshua is right, my life will never be boring.

"Tell you what, if we ever get too kinky, you'll be the first to know. Now, let's get the bath done and get some grub from the grocery store," and I start peeling the sheet from her tight grasp.

"Okay, but just the bath and nothing else right?" Oh, I do love a challenge.

"I'll only do what you ask or beg for, I am but your humble servant my dear." I start the water, add the elixir, and then stunned when my shy wife gives my bottom a tap.

"Pay back," she laughs.

I'm proud to say we got "bathed" more than once, napped and "bathed" some more. We never did get those groceries and neither one of us minded at all.