*strong sexual references
Author's Note: First a special thanks to my editor "Lynn". Couldn't have made myself finish it this soon without you!
The song is "Viva Forever" which is sung by the Spice Girls and is on their Spice World Album. If you want to hear the full lyrics, you can find them at http://spicegirls.simplenet.com/linda/VF.htm. ALL of the lyrics from their albums can be found thru http://spicegirls.simplenet.com/linda/sglyrics.htm. This is really a beautiful song and believe it or not, the girls sang this with Pavarotti in Italy at a concert…. Know the Spice Girls aren't popular among most our age, but since I tend to listen to and sing along with my daughters, I've listened to this album alot….and this idea just hit me! So…..here it is….
Viva Forever
By Deb Smouse
Trixie Belden looked over at her best friend, Honey Wheeler, who was driving towards Sleepyside. Trixie could hardly believe it - things had just gone so right for her so far this year. Here it was - mid-May; she had just turned 19; she and Honey had just wrapped up their first year of college, with both of them passing all of their classes with flying colors; and she was headed home for summer break. Home to a summer internship at the Police Department…and more importantly (though it was hard to admit), home with a chance to spend some time with the guy she had loved for what seemed like forever…
So much had happened in the last six years…on the day she met her best friend, Honey Wheeler, she and Honey had discovered a boy named Jim Frayne sleeping in the vacant living room at Ten Acres. Jim was the reason she and Honey had decided to become detectives - and Honey's parents had adopted Jim that first summer….they also formed a semi-secret club that summer - The Bob-Whites of the Glen.
Over the years, she and Jim had shared "special feelings" about each other…feelings that had grown. They had started finally dating a little over a year before… They both recognized they were young, and with going to different colleges, they had striven to keep things more friendly than serious.
Do you still remember, how we used to be
Feeling together, believing whatever
My love has said to meAs Honey drove towards home, Trixie's mind drifted back to Spring Break, when all of the Bob-Whites had made it home…
She knew that she would never forget that afternoon. The whole gang had planned a cookout at the lake that evening, but Dan had spent the morning with his uncle, and the other Bob-Whites had made plans to spend time alone as couples. Brian and Honey had gone into town to a movie; Di and Mart had decided to play some tennis at the Country Club; and she and Jim had decided to take horseback ride through the game preserve and have a picnic lunch.
Moms had always come through for Trixie where Jim was concerned. While they cleaned up the kitchen together after breakfast, Trixie told her about their plans.
"I'd be happy to help you put the picnic together, Trixie. Believe it or not, we have some leftovers from last night. How about some of my fried chicken and that spicy mustard potato salad Jim likes so well. You could also pack some carrot sticks."
"Sounds great, Moms. But what about dessert? OH, I know. I could take some of those apple dumplings - they're good cold." Trixie looked at her mother, still marveling at how young she still looked. Moms nodded her approval as she wiped down the stove.
"Don't forget something to drink, Trix. Why don't you pack the thermos with some mint ice tea? If you want to run upstairs and get changed, I'll pack the food for you in that wicker picnic basket." Trixie smiled at her mother. Helen Belden stopped cleaning for a moment and looked at her daughter. As Trixie turned to go up the stairs, Helen called to her. "You know, Trixie. It's been awhile since we've really talked about how things are going between you and Jim…"
Trixie stopped and turned towards her mother, smiling. She knew her mother was thinking back to the time they had discussed "things"…jeepers, that had been almost two years ago…"Well, Moms…to be perfectly honest, not much." Trixie leaned on the back of one of the kitchen chairs while her mother leaned against the kitchen sink. Trixie smiled. "In fact, I still have every single "chocolate coin" you gave me." Helen and Trixie both laughed, remembering Trixie's confusion over the gold wrapped condoms.
"Well, just wondered. Don't forget that I'm here if you have any questions, Trix. Now, run along and get ready…"
Helen laughed softly to herself as Trixie ran up the stairs.
z z z
Trixie couldn't get the conversation with her mother out of her mind…she and Jim had fooled around a bit since that first time that fall, but never past what the girls had jokingly called "2nd Base" - not even on prom night. In fact, the previous summer, she and Jim did little more than kiss. Trixie has been interested in going a bit further, but Jim, ever the honorable type, controlled himself - and truly controlled their time alone from going much further. In fact, he had even suggested to Trixie that summer that she would be free to date others… but Trixie never had been able to.
This picnic would be the first time alone they had - since a brief encounter over the Christmas Holidays. During their e-mails and chats, Trixie could almost feel the "tension" between she and Jim. Trixie made a snap decision and reached for a box that was hidden among some old sweaters on the top shelf of her closet. She extracted two gold wrapped condoms and stuck them in the pocket of her jeans. Maybe it was time to really push the envelope…
Jim and Trixie had finally decided on a spot for their picnic lunch. There was a nice - somewhat secluded spot near a small stream that ran through the Wheelers' game preserve…and it was a good distance from Mr. Maypenny's cabin, so it was not likely they would be disturbed.
After Jim spread a couple of quilts out on the ground, Trixie opened the wicker basket Moms had packed. "Mmmm. I just love your mother's fried chicken, Trix." Trixie laughed. "Oh wow! And potato salad…what's in there?" Jim lifted the corner of a linen napkin - inside were four small apple dumplings. "What a feast."
"What can I say? Moms is the best in a lot of ways!"
They ate in a companionable silence - sitting cross-legged - with the food between them. Jim sat up on his knees and leaned across the food - reaching for the thermos of mint tea sitting slightly behind Trixie. She laughed and met his lips as he came across.
"Mmm. Now THAT tastes better than anything here. Why don't we eat those dumplings in a little while…I'd much rather continue on here…"
Trixie quickly grabbed the food that was sitting between them and stuffed it into the wicker basket "Now, that's the best idea I've heard all day, Mr. Frayne!"
Jim pulled Trixie to him, hugging her tight. Then he pressed her down so that she could lay down - her head in his lap. What a beautiful day this is…warm…sun shining slightly through the trees...and that look on Jim's face… Jim leaned down, putting his hands under Trixie's head and began kissing her lips. His lips began to stray…and he softly kissed behind her ear. His tongue darted out of his mouth to lightly lick Trixie's ear…and then slide down her neck…
"Wow, Trixie, you smell so good…"
Trixie could hardly think as the feelings washed over her…but she had to respond to his voice. "It's Juniper Breezes…what you gave me for Valentine's Day…"
"Well, it smells much better on you than it did in the store!"
Afterwards, they lie still for a moment…his weight on her…"Wow, Jim. That was wonderful."
"You can say that again."
Trixie chuckled. "Wow! That was wonderful…"
Jim pulled back and looked into her eyes. "I love you, Trixie Belden."
"I love you, too, Jim Frayne."
They lay together that afternoon…sun still streaming through the trees…naked…talking about their dreams…and their future together…
Both of us were dreamers
Young love in the sun
Felt like my saviour, my spirit I gave you
We'd only just begun
Trixie snapped out of her memories as Honey pulled into the driveway of Crabapple Farm…smiling at her memories of that day.
Trixie could hardly contain her excitement when she saw that Brian's car was already at Crabapple Farm. That meant that Jim would be home, too. Honey pulled up the drive and hit the trunk release button. As Trixie got out of the car, Honey leaned out the window. "Tell Brian I said hi. Let me know what time you guys will be out at the lake tonight for dinner." Trixie smiled at Honey - who was trying to be "nonchalant". She knew that Honey and Brian had corresponded daily via e-mail, too. Trixie pulled her bags out of the car and waved as Honey backed down towards Glen Road.
As Trixie started towards the back door, it suddenly flew open. Bobby came bounding down the porch steps. "Moms, Trixie's home!" He quickly hugged his sister and then grabbed one of her bags. "Moms just took some cookies out of the oven - if we want any, we'd better hurry 'cause Brian and Mart are already into them!" Trixie chuckled as she followed her eleven-year-old brother into the house.
When Trixie and Bobby walked in the kitchen, Trixie truly felt the sense of being home. Moms was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee, talking with her oldest son, Brian, who was sipping a cup of coffee and holding a piece of paper. Mart had the latest Tom Clancy novel propped on the table, with a huge glass of milk and a large stack of cookies. Trixie hurried over and put her arms around her mother, quickly kissing the top of her head. Both of the older boys, one looking so like his mother, the other so like his father both smiled and welcomed Trixie back home.
"So did my sibling truly pass all of her classes this semester?" Mart mumbled, mouth full of Moms' homemade cookies.
"Yes, my dear 'twin', I certainly did!" Brian, Moms and Bobby all laughed, knowing that Mart still hated to be called Trixie's twin.
"Why don't you just drop your bags there, Trixie. Brian was just telling us some exciting news about his summer plans."
Trixie poured herself a cup of coffee, and added a generous amount of milk to the cup. She grabbed a stack of cookies, and sat down next to her mother. She turned towards Brian to listen to his news.
"Anyway, it's just a great opportunity, Moms. And I wanted to talk it over with you and Dad before I accept. I know we had talked about being home all summer, but I feel this is too good to pass up. It could put me almost a semester ahead." Brian stopped to take another sip of his coffee, and to pop another cookie in his mouth.
"I'll miss you, Brian, but I have to agree with your thinking. It is too good to pass up." Moms looked at her oldest son, with love and acceptance. It was a disappointment, but she knew Brian had a good head on his shoulders.
"Hold on a minute, Brian. WHAT are you talking about? I thought you were going to take a summer job as an orderly at the hospital here in Sleepyside." Trixie couldn't believe it! Brian was leaving for the summer? She knew Honey would be really disappointed; Trixie and Honey had spent many a nights talking about the summer plans - and spending time alone as couples was a big part of the plans.
"Well, I was until I got this letter." Brian glanced at Moms, but she shook her head. None of the other three at the table noticed. "See, Trixie - do you remember me and Jim talking about that camp out in California? It's a special needs camp; the first half of the summer is for children with diabetes and the second half of the summer is for children with cancer. The work is so intense, that UCLA has agreed to give 18 hours college credit to all counselors that work there. With 18 hours credit this summer, I can graduate a whole semester early and hit med. school earlier than I had planned."
"Well, I guess that's great for you, Brian, but what about Honey? She's going to be awfully disappointed." Trixie couldn't explain it any more to Brian. Didn't he understand how much Honey had looked forward to summer?
Brian looked at his sister, knowing what was to come. Gently, he told her, "Trix, I had mentioned this to Honey - and she knew how disappointed I was that I hadn't gotten a job offer. She'll understand. It's important to me - I know Honey - she'll understand."
"Well, just make sure you tell her soon." She wasn't so sure Honey would understand - but Brian was probably right. She turned to her mother. "Oh, and Moms, Honey has a cookout planned for tonight. That OK with you?"
Helen Belden looked at her daughter. I wonder how disappointed she's going to be? "Sure, Trix. You and the boys have fun tonight. Terry and Larry Lynch are going to come here for dinner, so don't worry about any of use. With those two and Bobby, it sure won't be quiet here, tonight."
"Well, I'm going to take a quick shower before the boys get a chance to hog all of the hot water!" With that, Trixie grabbed her bags and trudged up the stairs, and walked into her room. Room Sweet Room. Looks the same, but I sure did miss it… Hmmmm…what to wear…how about those khaki shorts with that navy blue polo? No, the light blue shorts with the white scoop neck shirt. Trixie hummed to herself as she dug in the small bag…There it is! Trixie grabbed a bottle of "Juniper Breezes" Shower Gel. Jim had sent her an entire basket of things from Bath & Body Works for Valentines Day - shower gel, body lotion, body spray, and powder. I sure hope he'll remember that picnic…I'm sure this scent will remind him…maybe I'll get a repeat…of that…I just never knew that making love would be that good...as Trixie stepped into the shower, she thought back over their that afternoon again...
Yes I still remember, every whispered word
The touch of your skin, giving life from within
Like a love song that I'd heardAfter showering, Trixie slathered on some of the Juniper Breezes Body cream, dressed, and then lightly sprayed herself with the light spritz. She bounded down the stairs, almost running into Brian who was standing at the bottom, talking to their father. Trixie ran to her father, gave him a quick hug and kissed him on the cheek. Moms walked into the kitchen and grabbed a plate of hamburgers out of the fridge. "You kids have fun tonight. Dad and I won't wait up - but do come home before dawn." Everyone laughed, knowing full well that coming home after midnight was unusual for anyone in the Belden home.
Mart sprinted down the stairs. "You guys ready cause I'm STARVING! Bye, Moms, Bye Dad. See you guys later tonight." With that, Mart headed towards the door.
Brian chuckled and put his arm around Trixie. "Some things just never change, do they Trixie? We'd better catch up to him if we expect any food to be left!" Trixie laughed and put her arm around his waist.
As Trixie and Brian headed up the path towards the Manor House, they saw Jim heading towards Crabapple Farm. Don't rush yourself, Trixie. Don't act too anxious. Don't let on that all you'd like to do is grab him and kiss him…As he got closer, they could see his smile broaden. My GOD, he looks good. Trixie pulled her arm from Brian and walked a bit faster, when he reached her, Jim threw his arms around her and hugged her tight. He closed his eyes, and kissed the top of her head. When he opened his eyes, Brian was giving him "a look", so he reluctantly pulled out of the embrace, but kept his arms around her shoulders.
"Gosh, I missed you, Trixie. It sure is good to see you." Trixie, not caring that her brother was standing there, stood on her toes and soundly kissed Jim on the cheek.
"I missed you too."
Brian cleared his throat. "I'm going to head on up to the boathouse - see you guys in a minute? I need to tell Honey about my letter - and my summer job."
"Good idea, Brian. I think Trixie and I need to talk, too. And try not to worry - I'm sure Honey will understand."
Brian patted Jim on the back as he walked away, but whispered into Jim's ear, "Well, because I don't think she is." Trixie was a bit confused, but Jim knew it was Brian's way of warning him.
"I've got to tell you something, Trixie."
"Oh, Jim. I've been wanting to tell you something, too."
"OK - well…then you go first"
"Well, if you're sure?" Jim nodded. Trixie's words just gushed forward. "Jim, I feel so much closer to you over the last few weeks. And I just wanted you to know how much I've been looking forward to summer break." Trixie put her arms around his neck, hugged him tightly, and began kissing him. Jim groaned. She tastes and feels so good. OH why does she have to make this so hard? Jim's body couldn't help but react, and Trixie could feel his reaction.
Jim pulled away - although his body was telling him "NO".
"OK - Trixie. My turn." Jim took a deep breath. "Did Brian tell you all about this summer job? About the camp?"
Trixie nodded. She couldn't speak without emotion coming through. Something was wrong, here. She could feel it in the pit of her stomach.
"Well, I've received a job offer at the same camp. And I feel I have no choice but to accept it. Brian and I have discussed it and decided we would drive there, so we would need to leave tomorrow."
Tears began to pool in Trixie's eyes. Tomorrow. "I see," she said quite coldly. She was determined to hold those tears inside.
"But I don't think you do, Trixie. Please let me explain it to you."
Slippin' through our fingers, like the sands of time Promises made, every memory saved
Has reflections in my mind"You can try to explain it to me, Jim. I would like to hear what you have to say about it." Trixie tried to remain with a neutral tone - but knew deep down that she couldn't keep it together much longer.
Jim took her arm and walked her to the clubhouse. A couple of summers back, the guys had built some benches so they could enjoy the fresh air. He pulled Trixie down to sit beside him.
"Trixie. This is going to be real experience for me. It will give both Brian and I a chance to truly work with the kind of kids that might go to my school - kids with special needs - both physical and emotional. But it also gives me more of a head start for our future."
"OUR future? How does you going away for the summer mean something for OUR future?"
"Yes, it means something for OUR future. Do you know what an extra 18 hours credit towards my degree will mean? It will be one less semester I have to spend in school. This 2 1/2 months will mean 5 months to our future. Graduating earlier give me the opportunity to begin to get established and be better prepared to settle down. Yes, OUR future."
One single tear spilled from her eye, down her face and dropped on her blue shorts.
"If you were really thinking about OUR future, Jim, you would have told me about this well before now."
"Trixie - I didn't want to upset you. I really didn't think I'd get the job. But it happened and I can't pass up the opportunity. I thought you'd understand. This is another step closer to my…our….dream for the future."
Trixie stood. "Well, Jim. You said it right this time. YOUR Dream for the future. I thought you cared enough about me to tell me about this kind of thing. Not just spring it on me the day before you leave. You knew I was looking forward to this time together. But I guess it shows me that YOUR dream is truly more important to you than OUR Dream." Trixie turned to walk away, back towards Crabapple Farm.
"Trixie - wait."
"No, Jim. I can't. I have waited for you. Please tell Honey I'll call her later. I don't think I feel much like a BBQ at the lake." Trixie took a couple of steps, turned back towards Jim and stopped. "Oh. Congratulations, Jim. I'm sure you'll enjoy your summer."
Jim stood and watched her walk away. As he closed his eyes, he felt a tear escape.
Hasta maņana, always be mine
Viva forever, I'll be waiting
Everlasting, like the sun
Live forever, for the moment
Ever searching for the one
Trixie ran the last few yards to Crabapple Farm, still trying to hold the tears in. Her feelings of anger helped.
As she walked in the back door, she paused. She wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone…She listened - it sounded as if Dad and the boys were in the living room watching something on TV - but where was Moms? The phone rang, and she heard Moms answer it.
"No, Honey. Trixie's not here…she headed to the lake a good twenty minutes ago….OH. I see." Trixie stepped into the kitchen and Moms saw her stark-white face. "Honey. She's just walked in the door…no…don't come over…I'm sure she'll call you later."
Helen quickly hung up the phone and walked across the kitchen to where Trixie stood. She put her arms around her only daughter. Trixie leaned into her mother and let the tears flow…
Back where I belong now, was it just a dream
Around 5:00, Trixie heard a knock at the door. "Come in," she whispered. Her oldest brother stuck his head into her room. Trixie was sitting at her computer, briskly typing.
"I wasn't sure if you would be up, yet."
"I didn't exactly sleep last night."
"Can we talk a minute?" Brian was concerned. The Trixie he knew rarely gave up sleep. He loved his sister and Jim was his best friend. He wanted her to understand.
"Give me just a minute." Trixie turned back to her computer and begin typing again - and looking at the screen of the chat room.
TB:>Honey…Brian just came in…thanks for staying on line with me…
HW:>No prob..go talk to him..
TB:>thanks again.
HW:>love you, Trixie.
TB:>I love you too, Honey.
TB:>Check you in a few.
Trixie clicked on the "log out" button, but didn't disconnect her connection to the Internet.
"Honey said she had a feeling you would get this job. You were right. She does understand, Brian."
"Was that Honey online?" Trixie nodded. "I don't get it, Trix. Why were you guys online instead of on the phone?"
"To be honest, Brian, I couldn't talk about it…but Honey knows me pretty well…she knew I could type….we've been on-line since around 2 AM." She turned to look at her brother - sitting on her bed - hair still tousled. "I'll miss you this summer, big brother. I know I don't tell you often enough, but I love you. I'm happy for you that this camp think worked out; I just wish you didn't have to leave today."
Brian walked over to his sister and knelt at her feet. "Well, I love you, too, Trixie. I don't get why you understand me going - but don't understand why Jim's going."
"Oh, Brian. I do understand why BOTH of you are going. You each have strong goals and this summer camp is a huge step to getting to that goal sooner than you had hoped. I get that."
Brian looked into his sister's face, and saw tears pooling in her eyes. "There's more on your mind…what's the 'but'…"
Trixie nodded at her perceptive brother. "The 'but' is…it truly showed me how important I was to Jim."
"Now, Trixie…" Trixie held up her hand to stop him.
"Don't 'Now Trixie' me. There is a difference and it is quite clear to me. You cared enough about Honey to discuss this with her - months ago. Jim only mentioned it to me in passing. It shows me that while you care enough about Honey to discuss your future…Jim didn't care to discuss it with me…he just sprang it on me at the last minute. It showed me that he was more important that us."
Brian bowed his head, then nodded. He could really see her side of it when it was put that way. He stood and hugged her.
"Gotta leave around 8:00 or so…I'll see you downstairs for breakfast." Brian walked out of her room and shut her door.
Trixie turned back to the computer and clicked on her "Favorites" Button - then clicked on "Lucy Radcliffe Chat Room". She quickly logged back in. Sure enough - "HW" was still there…
TB:>How did I know you would still be there <g>
HW:>J
TB:>hey - do you mind if I ride alone this morning?
HW:>not at all..I don't mind riding along…
TB:>that's OK…..
TB:>need to be alone to think
HW:>well, I'll let Regan know
TB:>Thanks…maybe lunch later today.
HW:>sounds great…better hit the shower
TB:>me too
HW:>bye
TB:>bye
HW:>Umm..really logging off this time! J
TB:>J
Trixie logged out of the chat room - and then disconnected her Internet connection. She headed for the shower - Moms would have breakfast on the table by 6:00…
Feelings unfold, they will never be sold
And the secret's safe with meTrixie guided Susie along the path towards Mr. Lytell's store. She glanced down at her watch - it said 7:58. She had already said her good-byes to Brian.
She pulled Susie up behind the store and dismounted. Mr. Lytell wouldn't open for another hour or so. She could see Glen Road - but unless someone was looking - they wouldn't see her. Yes, right on schedule. At that moment, she saw Brian's car coming down Glen Road…heading towards town…and the highway…
Yes, there he was. Jim was in the front set - animatedly talking to Brian. She could tell by seeing his face that he was looking forward to their trip. Goodbye, Jim…I love you…she leaned against Susie's soft neck and began to cry.
Hasta maņana, always be mine
Trixie returned from her ride. Regan, sensing her mood, had kindly offered to groom Susie for her. He tried to joke about how out of practice Trixie was on grooming horses, and she tried to laugh. She couldn't quite face anyone right now - not even Honey. So she headed back home to the comfort of her room and Crabapple Farm.
It was unusually quiet when she got home. Mart had gone to Di's house, taking Bobby with him so that he could go swimming with the twins. Dad was at work. But where was Moms? Trixie looked around - and then saw a note stuck to the refrigerator door with one of those silly magnets she had brought home from the many trips the Bob- Whites had taken.
"Trixie - gone into town for lunch with your Dad. Plenty of leftovers in the 'fridge for you. Maybe you could call Honey and ask her to come over. Love, Moms"
Trixie couldn't help but smile. Moms was the best. And she was right. Honey would help her feel better.
Trixie walked up the stairs to her room - and saw a basket sitting on her desk. Her eyes began to mist over. It was a basket from Bath & Body Works. Very similar to the one Jim had given her for Valentine's day.
Trixie dug into the basket, it was filled with shower gel, body cream, powder, and body spritz. Trixie picked up the bottle of shower gel, opened it, and sniffed. Hmmm. Smells good. Oh - Cucumber Melon. Never would have thought I'd like that.
She spied the card, which was stuck among the tubes and bottles - and pulled it out.
"Trixie, You know I'm here for you when you need someone to talk to. Thought this would give you a fresh start for the summer. I love you. Moms."
She opened her nightstand drawer and picked up the tube of the Juniper Breezes body cream. She opened it, and quickly sniffed it, a sadness pouring over her. She would always remember this scent and always associate it with Jim and that first time in the woods. She snapped the lid shut. Stood and dropped the tube in the trash.
She picked up the phone to call Honey. Miss Trask told her that Honey had already left and was headed to Crabapple Farm. Honey certainly knows me…she knew I'd want her company today. May as well get some lunch together. Trixie stood and headed towards the door, glancing in the trashcan.
She bent over and snatched the tube of Juniper Breezes Body Cream out of the trashcan. She couldn't resist smelling it again. She started to drop it back in the trashcan and stopped. I just can't do it. No matter what, I'll always remember that day… She walked to her closet, clutching the tube of lotion to her heart. She reached with her right hand for a box in the corner of the top shelf. She opened the box; inside sat several of the gold wrapped condoms Moms had given her - the remainder of the package after that day. Trixie closed her eyes; gently she dropped the lotion into the box and closed the lid.
Viva forever (viva forever), I'll be waiting Everlasting (everlasting), like the sun
Live forever (live forever), for the moment
Ever searching (ever searching) for the oneThe End