Chapter 5

The week went by quickly for Cory, she found herself attached to the computer most of her spare time. She didn’t see Sam much at all; she was so wrapped up in her new friendship. JJ and her had been mailing continually throughout the week, they’d answered a variety of surveys about each other generally finding out likes and dislikes. Cory had really enjoyed answering the mails and finding that although they had their differences; she also had a great deal in common with JJ. She’d found her daydreams were becoming more and more focussed on JJ and her night dreams had become more and more real, last night’s had been the most realistic.

She’d been by a lake watching the ripples on the water. They were circular in motion as if the water had been disturbed and it was now resettling. She watched the circles decreasing in size; she wasn’t watching the circles out of pleasure she was looking for something; someone. Her heart was pounding; she was scared; worried. Her eyes scanned the circles they’d almost disappeared; she turned and went back to the fire. Her heart was still beating and she stirred the embers of the fire. She needed to get wood, she’d need the heat of the fire for later she knew this but had no idea why. She went to the edge of the tree line and bent down collecting thin sticks for kindling wood and thicker sticks for the fire’s fuel. As she straightened she felt arms circle her waist and she gasped, dropping the wood as she did so. The arms were wet and drops of water were falling on her shoulders from the wet black hair that was draped over her.

The owner of the arms began to kiss her ears and she turned in the hold and gazed up into the bluest, brightest eyes she’d ever seen. She watched the pupils of the eyes dilate with desire and it warmed her heart to know she was the reason behind this lust. She hoped the same reflected in her eyes. She stared a moment longer willing her partner to drown in her own gaze, to see the desire she hoped was now evident on her face. She closed her eyes and as lips met lips she felt herself melting, falling……….

It had been at this point that Cory had awoken with a jolt. Her heart was racing and she felt cold, like she’d lost her section of the quilt but no it was there covering her. She couldn’t explain the chill, she’d been so warm a moment ago and then she remembered the arms. They were the same arms that she’d felt the other day when she’d fallen asleep in the bath but the smell had been different. The smell in this one was muskier, a mixture of leather and river water. She remembered the lake and the fire. Why would she have been out in the woods like that? There was nothing like that near her home. She put it down to just another dream but they were becoming regular, every time she remembered the events of the dream but never the other person, only the eyes and the arms and the smell. She could never picture the face.

She clambered out of bed, trying not to disturb Sam but he stirred, mumbled something before turning over and returning to his own dreams. Cory quickly entered the toilet, did the necessaries and then left the room to go to the office. She’d found herself waking slightly earlier so that she could spend time before work reading JJ’s mail.

Her mails with JJ had settled down to a nice regular routine, due to the time delay they were usually read in the morning when Cory got up and she replied in the evening when she returned home. She assumed JJ did the same. They’d traded information mainly about the recent experiences of family deaths, they had happened at a very similar time and they were both still going through the healing process. JJ’s comments had helped Cory understand more and Cory hoped her comments had helped JJ. They’d also started replying to each other in different colours, Cory had chosen blue as it was her favourite colour and JJ liked red, they also left many of the comments and questions still attached so it helped them both understand and remember what they had written. This helped them both out as they noticed that although they both spoke English there was a big difference in the usage of words and the spellings. Cory had sent a picture of the animals with yesterday’s mail.

She settled to the computer and decided she’d write a few notes to JJ this morning, seeing as she was up earlier it’d be a nice surprise for JJ when she got up. She liked Friday’s the day was more relaxed at work and she didn’t have to go in so early as most of the morning was practical and the children had all the equipment they needed. She decided to keep the mail brief but personal. She had so many things she wanted to write; she’d found herself slowly opening up to JJ more and more. She often found she could talk to people about everything and anything but her real feelings. She had secrets from her past that had begun to haunt her and she needed someone to talk to. She’d found herself wanting to write things to JJ she’d never told a living soul and she felt good about this. It was kind of writing a journal of her life and she found that some things she’d struggled to get her head round were finally becoming clearer. It was kind of like therapy, she’d finally found someone who understood her.

She decided to glance through the week’s mails to decide which questions had been covered and whether she would get inspiration for some new ones.

JJ Matthews Re: I’m bored

I've decided you're bad for my workload <vbg>. I've managed to mark 34 books - one set of English - and I still have another set to mark but I get this sudden desire to write you a mail that has no real relevance to life in general! That was a compliment, right? I don't think I have ever been on-line this much since I had a computer.

How would you describe your personality? Mine would be:

I'm very caring, can be very self-centred, (me too) I like to think the best of people but this tends to get me into trouble! (Me too), I consider friendship the most important thing in the world, (me too) I am a procrastinator and tend to put things off until the last minute I'm honest and truthful 99.9% I try to be, it depends on who I am talking to. I usually get tongue-tied. I hate failing at anything. Me too and being wrong. I'm a dreamer - I spend half my life in my head wrapped up in my hopes and dreams That is me all over. I think about what if's a lot. Sometimes it is the only thing that keeps me going. I don't tell people about it, I think they would think I am crazy. I have trouble sometimes saying what I want to say I’ve never been one for words, I am much better at writing it (believe it or not!)

I worry a lot I worry way too much I fidget all the time I might fidget a lot, sometimes when I am standing and talking to somebody I sway. Or if I am waiting (like today) for a store to open I will pace. I bite my nails (me too) especially when I am nervous.

I've just read this and I think I ought to be put in a mental institute!! Us crazies can stick together. I can be selfish (I am an only child) I am moody (Gemini is my sign) especially when I have PMS- you don't even want to be in the states. I am very confident in myself, I am also a good verbal fighter but I usually give the silent treatment. (Sarah can't stand that.) I can be stubborn. But the one thing my cousin says is that I have a good heart. I will do anything for the people I care about!!!! I am sure there is more. I do hate losing, but not as bad as when I play sports. If things don't go my way I can sulk.

Thanks for saying I write well - I do want to write a book one day - I do write poetry - I haven't shown many people it but I want to post some and need a volunteer to read it!!!!! Any volunteers???? Pick me pick me (waving hand frantically to the teacher)

Take it easy my friend

JJ

The above mail always made Cory chuckle when she pictured the two of them in a mental institution together. She opened the next one, it had a more serious tone to it as JJ had been having problems in her relationship that Cory easily related to and sympathised with.

JJ Matthews Re: I’m home

Cory,

Glad you got a chance to go shopping – some of your comments made me giggle especially this one: I had to go buy some new undies as mine have been strangling me lately (too much information probably). Trying to get a visual as I write!! vbg. Sam and I both needed some more trousers as well - so the store card is no longer empty but we won't have to walk round in the nude!! Oh another visual!!

Sorry to hear about your bust up with Sarah, I didn't realise you had to move things when you hoovered or dusted!! <vbg> That was obviously the day we didn't go to class. I obviously went to your school for cleaning!! We should team up nobody would employ us! We could have fun surfing the web and whatnot. How's it going with you and Sarah? Better we are speaking, but not like usual. It may take a few days. I did sleep in the guestroom. I realized the mattress is better for my back. I know what you mean about having a commitment financially due to houses etc. In order to pay for ours we need both wages - i think that's why a lot of people stay together. Do you do things together - hobbies etc? Not really. We like to shop and go to movies. She can't stand the computer and reads the rag newspaper. She loves to watch TV. I like it but there are few shows she will watch with me.

Sam and I get on very well 99% of the time. Us too but when we fight it is stupid and because she is so picky sometimes. Like I said before I feel like a two-year-old at times, maybe I act like one too. I'm usually the one who starts the sulks or moods (me too). Sam hates it when he's wrong! Sarah, too He refuses to argue which gets my goat, as I love a good row He's also very caring and supportive of my fads and crazes - he puts up with my selfishness and my obsessions. He doesn't moan when the house is untidy Sarah complains until it is done and then complains about how I did it. (See above in this email about lifting furniture)

Sam kept saying I was miles away in the car - he wanted to know what i was thinking about - I was miles away - I was thinking of your last e-mail and what to write in this one - I had loads to tell you but now my mind is a blank. Don't worry I hope we have plenty of time for when we forget to say something. I am not going anywhere unless you want me, too.

Thanks for being there

JJ

In the next mail JJ had answered Cory’s questions about ICQ and Cory and JJ had both signed up for it in the hope that one day they might find time to chat together.

JJ Matthews Re: ICQ

Hey I've been dying to ask what an ICQ number is????

ICQ stands for I seek you. It is a program that runs in the background. At least that is what the web page says. I am going to sign up either tonight or later tomorrow. It runs in the background and if I have your ICQ number in my list, it will find you if you go on-line then we can somehow chat. I only read the page real quick. www.icq.com is the address

I like mailing to you - I always have this quirky grin on my face I know what you mean I get a silly grin, actually I look through the emails and find yours first. I especially like it when I get to this point in the mail, as I know I'll get a reply soon and then I get to waffle all over again! What does waffle mean? I enjoy your emails finding out about you and your days. I have not met anybody on the Internet and just become friends. I think it is great. Talk about fate, it was meant to be that you read my email and became part of war.

(I have to say this) GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE!!!!!!!!

Have a great day.

JJ --- I will try to get you more info on the ICQ thing.

Cory scanned JJ’s latest mail and chuckled at the opening line, which she’d written the previous night.

JJ Matthews Re: Still Bored

Cory,

This time difference doesn’t half suck - I don't know how the people on the pack list who have fallen in love conduct romances over it!! I have no idea and yes it does suck. I wish you lived right down the corner so I can drop by and we can really chat. Then I think what if you didn't like me!

Noone is ever around to play! When I'm asleep you're awake, when I'm getting up - you're having sweet dreams - when I'm at work - you're asleep or free to play and when i get home you're at work etc. I really love the way you write and your thought process. My problem is I think these thoughts but I can never get them down on paper. We will have to co-ordinate with each other better at weekends.

Now I've got to go and make the tea (dinner) and watch my programs and you'll be free!!! I got my hour or so in and now it is Super bowl time and I promised Sarah I would watch it. Did you put me in your ICQ thingy? (Now that is real tech talk!!) Not that I'm really complaining as i love speaking to you! Right back at you kiddo.

I'm going to go and surf some fan fiction sites and find a good story to read! I am reading The Pilot's wife, very good by Anita Shreve. It takes place in New England it describes the area where I live to a tea. It is a real book though.

So more about me: If I like a song I will turn it up loud and dance around the house, now that is a sight to see! I love dance music the most.

Okay - A merican Football is calling me!!!!! Let's figure out a time for next weekend when we can chat!!!!!! Or maybe during the week!

You mentioned you had so many e-mails in your inbox – why haven’t you read them?

See you kiddo

JJ

PS; I have this friend and her birthday is coming up soon – we get on well and I want to make up a CD of songs for her birthday but she hasn’t answered my questions about dance music etc. I was wondering if you could have a quiet word to my friend for me as I will have to make it very soon as she lives overseas in the UK (vbg). Oh yeah keep it a secret from her, as I don’t want her to know!!

Cory reread the postscript and a huge smile developed, she knew this was a huge hint from JJ and she felt warm and cosy inside just thinking that JJ wanted to send her a present. She opened up a new mail and quickly composed a quick mail, she checked it through, grinned at the odd humorous comment she’d put in and then hurriedly sent it as she noticed the time, she’d spent more time than she thought and now she was running late.

She shot into the bedroom forgetting Sam was asleep; he woke up as she ran into the ensuite.

“Where’s the fire?” he muttered, glancing at her through sleep sodden eyes.

“I’m late, I didn’t notice the time. I have to shower and find some track bottoms. You couldn’t go downstairs and sort me some out?”

“What have you been doing? You’ve been up a while?” asked Sam, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“I was reading my mails and well I decided to reply to a few.” She looked up at Sam and saw the look of disinterest sweep across his face. He really wasn’t interested so she left him and quickly showered.

She was only 20 minutes later than usual when she got to school and soon settled into another Friday at the madhouse.

Part 6

Mail Jules

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