Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

39 - Desert Spring

39

Desert Spring

Monday, March 20

Kevin erected a portable canopy on a flat area near the Colorado River. It was next to a wide bend, with the water flowing near rocks that created a small protected pool nearby, where they could swim without moving into the powerful flow of the main channel.

They had reached the river the day before, near sunset, set up camp, and listened to the sounds of the stream and the surrounding desert after another picnic meal. The elevation was low, just above sea level here, so it was much warmer than at Joshua Tree, which was half a mile higher. Two coolers and block ice would take care of food and drink for a couple of days.

Last night they'd made love, slept, then made love some more. Today, camped this close to the highway, it was a little too public for any such extracurricular activities during daylight hours, but they swam, read, and soaked up a little sun.

"I may have more natural protection than you do, but I can burn," said Tonya. "Sunscreen is good." She could have applied it most everywhere herself, but she and Kevin both enjoyed having him do so. She then reciprocated. "I must have a green thumb. There appears to be growth."

Kevin laughed. "We will check progress tonight." Tonya winked.

The woman could wear a swimsuit. The pure white string bikini showed off her dark skin. Kevin appreciated her like a sculptor did his work. She is so fit. Magnificent figure. I didn't create this masterpiece, but its enjoyment is a challenge I accept!

The heat of the day kept them jumping into the river for quick dips. Droplets of water beaded up on their skin, gradually evaporating in the heat. He got them something to drink. Blocks lasted days; crushed ice would have melted already. Kevin grabbed a beer for each of them. It was icy from being in the cooler, and he deliberately let a few cold drops fall onto her back.

She jumped. "Hey, watch that!" She sounded angry, but he could see she was smiling. Kevin popped open her can, then his, and they felt the icy carbonation tickle the backs of their throats as they took the first swig. The shade of the canopy kept them comfortable despite the desert sun's heat. They shared a moist kiss.

Kevin saw that Tonya was reading "Roots". He said, "I saw the TV series but haven't read the novel yet, although I read Haley's other 'as told to' book, 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X'. He writes well, and the influence of the television shows seemed to have galvanized many into researching their past."

"Yeah. I know very little of my own family's ancestry, certainly not enough. Makes me want to know the story better. I'm having dinner with my folks next Saturday before I fly to Tennessee on Easter, and I will ask some questions. What amazes me about the slaves and others in Haley's past was their persistence in facing all difficulties and overcoming them, at least within what they controlled."

"I read that Haley faced challenges with this book, that it was a full eight years of negative responses before he finally got it accepted for publishing."

"Persistence and overcoming rejection. Both important qualities."

"Uh-huh. Like I did with you, Tonya."
"Yes, you seem to have moved well past the initial problem. I am glad you were still open to me. Come here." She reached up and pulled his neck down for a long, passionate kiss. Kevin tingled and then gulped for air. With Tonya, his heart moved from zero to sixty almost instantly.

"You have been well worth the lesson on overcoming my fears. I plan to give a different lesson tonight."

"I'm looking forward to it when we are cooler and have greater privacy. I'll hold you to that promise."