Come Live With Me and Be My Love...

A week later in my apartment...

"Tempest, I would like to know more about you."

"What would you like to know?"

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-one."

"Why did you tell me that you didn't date people?"

"Because I don't. I had a bad experience about four years ago with a man. I really don't want to go into it now, but I will say that he is dead now - and that he died too late."

"Died too late?"

"Yeah. The night he died he beat me up and broke my arm. I just haven't trusted men since."

"Well, I can understand you not trusting men for a little while, but Tempest, it's been four years. Where are your parents? Do you have any family?"

"My parents were Native American. They were raised on a reservation in the west, so they were the only family I had. After coming here, they opened a jewelry store that specialized in Native American objects. It was located on the street beside what is now "The Octopus's Garden." You know that antique shop owned by some woman named Hayden something or other. I shop there quite often. One night they fell asleep in the little room in the back which is where they stayed some nights after I turned fourteen or fifteen. The store burned to the ground while they were in it."

"God. I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

"A couple of years later I got mixed up with Chaise and turned into myself - a free-spirited loner, I suppose. I do have some great friends, but mostly I write or sculpt or paint."

"I know we haven't known each other that long, but I feel a connection to you. I hope that you can trust me. I would never hurt you the way Chaise did."

"I don't know about that, but I feel a connection with you too, I guess. I wrote a poem the other night based on our meeting last week. For the first time my words flowed easily and without so much rage. Maybe I should give you a chance; you seem to inspire me."

"What is your full name?"

"Tempest Rage Rivers."

"I was right the other night - you do fit your name. A 'tempest' is a violent storm and you are definitely full of 'rage.' You seem to me that you want very much to explode, but you can't seem to find the time."

"When I met you, I assumed you were someone who would never be capable of understanding my feelings and emotions and lifestyle. I guess I was wrong."

Then for the first time in my life, I cried in front of a man. I wept for my parents. I wept for Chaise. I wept for my wasted years spent hating life and distrusting half of humanity. I fell into Jason's arms and cried until I could cry no more. When I had cried my tears dry, my emotions overpowered my senses and we took each other. We made love over and over that night, taking turns kissing and loving. It felt good to be loved and wanted, even though I had convinced myself over the last four years that I didn't need it and didn't want it. At this point, I didn't know if it was what I wanted...All I knew was that for this one moment, I was happy.

About three hours later...

"I'm sorry Jason. I've never done that before. The last time I made love to a man was when I was seventeen. Chaise was twenty-three and it was never anything like what just happened. My parents were dead and he was the only person in my life who was ever around."

"Don't say you're sorry for what just happened. I really care about you. I only hope that you were able to release some of your anger and stress that you have kept inside for so long and if you did, then all I can say is that I am proud to have been part of it."

"I feel as though I have just danced with the devil and laughed in his face and then turned around to hug a lightning bolt and was able to come away without getting shocked."

"What do you mean?"

"I feel as though making love to you was the therapy I needed to finally rid my mind of Chaise and come to terms with my past. Thank you."

"By the way - where did you get that beautiful tattoo on your shoulder and what does it mean?"

"Some guy named Jake gave it to me right after Chaise died. It is a flying bird holding a bleeding heart in its beak. It is a symbol of a free-spirit that is still capable of possessing a wounded heart."

"You are definitely a unique woman, Tempest."

The phone rang then. I got out of bed and answered it - It was Jennifer. She was crying and asked me to meet her in a local coffee house. I told her I would. As I dressed, Jason asked if I would consider moving in with him. I reminded him of our short acquaintance period. He reasoned that "we fit together and our lives would be more happily spent if they were together." He said he would appreciate it if I would only think about it. I told him I would.

Tempest Lives
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