Short Story / Love Unknown
1961
I.
A slight groan rose from within Jack’s throat, as he lazily rolled out of bed that early Monday morning. His thoughts always being the same on Mondays, agitated at having to gather his things together for work. “It’s not as if these students are grateful for the things they learn anyway.” He took a longer shower than usual, dreading the small moment in time between exiting the shower and getting dressed for work. He walked down the stairs to the kitchen, to find Samantha, his wife, cooking a delicious variety of bacon, eggs, and pancakes. As he delicately slipped his hands around her waist, she felt a kiss on her neck and a smile play across her lips. With a twirl, she was facing him, arms around his neck, each kiss drawing him in more.
They had met two years ago in an accidental run-in at the publishing company she worked for, Bees and Knees Inc. She was rushing to the elevator on the fifth floor, manuscripts spilling from her hands. He was on his way to meet Mr. Cradell, the man who was considering his book for publication. While he recalled the minute details of the pages he had written, there was the elevator door readying itself to close. He grabbed the open air splitting the two doors and carefully slipped inside. She was but a few feet from them as well, just as he grasped at the open air again, allowing her in. Thanking him, she couldn’t help but notice the dark green eyes penetrating her deep brown ones. His brown hair carefully parted to the side, making him look as if he had stepped from a silent film. Their conversation was short, but he never forgot. Taking in her deep brown eyes coupled with voluminous, long brown hair, she stood before him, all five feet, six inches of her as they talked of books. He enjoyed the classics, and she enjoyed books that were a bit more obscure. They traded authors back and forth, finding themselves with a new hobby for the after-work drive home – to find books by these particular writers. As days passed, she discovered that he was a professor of art at the University of South Carolina. He was a painter, as well as a lover of the written word. She, herself, was a writer and enjoyed everything from the classics to the most recent best-seller. When she reached her floor, she wrote her name in a classical script along with her number. He phoned her the next day, anxious to see her again. Six months later, they were married. She was now Samantha Marlin. Their lives intertwined forever, as they stood outside the church, waving farewell to their parents and best friends.
A month later, they moved to South Carolina, where Jack was cautious to attain employment as a professor at the local university. Samantha had told him that he was fortunate. “It’s a great opportunity, honey. You can do exactly what you love.” But he was wary, nevertheless, of what his students would be like. Would they be swayed by the classical men who had inspired him so many years ago? In the beginning of the semester, he had only a few difficulties with the adjustment into the classroom. Soon, the semester became a mere glance into the past. In the early years, he enjoyed his work. It became a part of him, and he even regularly painted. In the evenings, Samantha always had the dinner table set with such beauty. They would discuss their days over dinner, and then follow with an hour or two of reading. Cozying up with their favorite books, Jack knew it meant so much to her to spend this time together. This particular evening, he was enthralled by her beauty – the way her wavy hair flowed so magnificently to her waist. Her hands were small and delicate, turning each page slowly, ensuring she absorbed all the words on every page. He turned to kiss her cheek softly, as a smile curled her lips upward. She was six years younger than him, but it was hardly noticeable in most settings. Her quiet reserve allowed her to take in everything that she experienced. It made the words she wrote even more beautiful, even more extravagant. She strived for excellence, but not through vanity. He admired this in her, and he loved to read every poem and story that she wrote. He once suggested that she submit one of her many manuscripts for publication, but her shyness forbid it. “I am not nearly as close to perfection as you,” she would say. “No one is perfect, my dear,” was his simple reply. The next day, her submission was in the mail.
Bernard Lawrence rang the doorbell in the morning, ready to pick up Jack for the routine carpool to work. When Jack answered the door, briefcase in hand, scowl on his face, he couldn’t help but laugh. Jack always had a way of putting a scowl on his face in the morning, but by noon, he was as happy as a bluebird. Bernard was someone who had always stayed close to the Marlin family. Being friends with Jack, he understood the ups and downs of teaching. A professor of physics at the University of South Carolina, he knew what it was like to experience each semester, the rise and fall of grades from various students. It was not new to him. He had always felt that Jack had an aura about him – a way of drawing attention with his detailed paintings. His modesty stayed intact, however, and that made him a loyal friend. The first day he and June had met their neighbors was what began the instant attraction. Quickly maturing from neighbors to best friends, they entrusted each other with secrets that even their beloveds did not know. Jack and Samantha moved to Happytown five years ago, soon after their marriage. It was convenient for Jack, since he could be close to his home and work. It also allowed Samantha to be close to Bees and Knees, Inc., where she worked alongside June reading and rereading manuscripts for publication.
After Jack left, Samantha was left to rummage through the house, desperately searching for the last piece of the manuscript one of her clients had submitted. “Where is it? Where is that damned piece of paper?” The search finally came to an end when June rang the doorbell, however, as she found it wedged between the cushions on the blue, curvy sofa. Throwing on her beige flats to match her cream-colored suit, she answered the door with hair unkempt. “I’m almost ready, June. I’ll be just a second, okay?” She nodded, as she grabbed a cup of coffee from the kitchen. “Don’t worry, Sam. We only have one more manuscript to go over for this client.” Ten minutes later, they were in the car, taking the highway to Bees and Knees, Inc.
Jack had always enjoyed teaching others what he loved. He always referred to the classics as much as he could, being sure to emphasize how much of an impact they had on modern-day artists. One student in particular, Ashley Lee Grace, was considered one of the top students in his class. She strived to push herself as much as possible, while ensuring that she paved a way for artists of the future. Her paintings were full of bright colors and obscure shapes. He admired the way she could take one line and turn it into something so beautiful, so serene. She had been watching him for weeks now, wondering what would happen if she made the move she had been longing to make since enrolling in his class. She had always admired him, the way he moved, and the way he spoke of his love for art. “Every piece, she had decided, I do for you, Jack Marlin.” This was her thought each day she walked into class. While she wasn’t sure she would ever get his attention, she worked, nevertheless, finding new ways to calm the craving in her heart for Jack to be hers.
June knocked on Samantha’s door, peeking quietly into her office. “Are you ready to get out of here, Sam?” She asked, excitedly. It was Friday, and she had plans to have a dinner party in the evening. After dropping off Samantha, she pulled into her driveway, excited about being able to relax after such a hectic week. They had been flooded with manuscripts at work, and she thought she’d never be able to leave. After the familiar click of the key being inserted in the door, she walked in to find a darkened home. “Bernard? Honey, where are you?” No reply. She walked through the living room – cream colored curtains with a fine print she had made herself, and a couch that was practically new from the month before complimenting the beautiful oak coffee table – only to find herself in the kitchen. “I suppose he’s still at work or taking the long way home.” She thought of how he often loved to do that, taking in the scenery that allowed him to release all the stress he felt from each day and week prior. As she set the table with candles and a handmade tablecloth, she heard footsteps in the living room and then a hand around her waist. “I missed you, love.” And when she turned around, he smiled, adding, “These are for you.” Handing her the fresh bouquet of roses, she thanked him with the caress of her lips against his.
An hour later, Jack and Samantha arrived, complimenting the dinner setting. Samantha complimented on the arrangement of the sweet-scented flowers, while Jack entered the kitchen, curious of the statistics on the latest baseball game. The dinner was fulfilling – the caves of their stomachs being invaded by pasta and white wine. At the conclusion of their delightful feast, Samantha assisted June in clearing the dishes. In the living room, Jack and Bernard discussed their classes. Jack mentioned the project that Ashley Lee Grace turned in, pondering the inspiration for her creation. “Her work is always delicate and guarded, as if she has something to say but doesn’t know how to get her feelings out.” Bernard absorbed his words, unsure of how to respond. Jack was always the type of professor who preferred to get to know his students, in order to understand their work. With such a small class, it was very possible to do such a thing. But for days now, he brought up the work of Ashley Lee Grace. Whispering, he could only reply with the words that shone so brightly in his mind, “Are you being swayed by the attempts of Ashley, Jack?” A careful contemplation came to a complete halt, as his small smile transformed into a darkened scowl. In his heart he held only Samantha as his true love. Who was he to assume that this could possibly be untrue? “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Bern.”
Samantha and June entered the living room, all smiles and giggles, as they playfully recalled secrets and jokes of the past. Any thoughts of Ashley Lee Grace were gone, when Jack saw the stunning, delicate flow of Samantha’s body moving closer to his. Sitting next to their respective husbands, the private conversations ceased and quickly moved to talk of upcoming birthday parties and weddings occurring in the community. Their neighborhood was small, so it was not impossible to know the constant goings-on of the other neighbors who lived amongst them. Kathy was having a baby next month, and Lorraine was getting married to Mark in two weeks. The women excitedly spoke of their plans to assist in the coordination of these particular events. With Samantha involved with the knitting group, and June involved with the catering group, it would be easy for them to help put together the gifts and food for these events.
As the evening drew to a close, Samantha and Jack bid farewell to June and Bernard. Back at home, Jack laid in bed, pondering the thoughts from the hours prior. “Who is this girl, Ashley Grace, anyway?” Samantha slipped between the sheets, sweetly placing her hand upon his heart. He pulled her in close, kissing her lips tenderly, feeling her body shudder against his. Remaining thoughts of Ashley Lee Grace escaped his mind for the rest of the night, as he glided his hands along her spine.
The next morning brought sunlight that blinded him as he awoke. Quietly abandoning the warmth of the bed, he showered and got dressed for work. He started breakfast for himself and Samantha, thinking of how proud she would be that he thought to produce something other than a single slice of toast. Soon after, Samantha awoke and sleepily walked down the stairs, with the prior night’s dreams slipping from her mind. Jack brushed the hair from her eyes, gently tucking it behind her ear and kissed her neck softly. “Good morning, my love. I’ve made a delicious breakfast just for the two of us.” She smiled and thanked him, noting how proud she was that he didn’t eat the usual piece of toast with orange juice. They talked of their plans for the day, with Samantha mentioning the birthday party coming up that weekend, and Jack noting the upcoming exam. He looked at his watch, which read 7:30AM and kissed her goodbye.
In the classroom, Ashley Lee Grace had decided to add an extra bit of effort to her appearance, allowing her wavy hair to flow down her back, as opposed to her routine of keeping it in a tight bun. Her blouse, a little more form-fitting than usual, exposed the curves she usually hid beneath a loose sweater. Her skirt grasped at the various other curves she kept down below. Entering the room hurriedly, Jack Marlin barely noticed Ashley Lee Grace at all, as he requested that everyone turn in the previous night’s assignment. He reminded the class that the exam was coming up in two days, dreading it himself since it was always a long night on exam day. At the conclusion of the class, Jack walked around the room, observing the different projects each student was working on. Ashley Lee Grace stayed behind to work on the details of hers – a pastel portrait of her grandmother. She was always someone she held close to her heart, even after she died five years ago. Jack made a mental note of the features she worked on, the point of her nose, and the bobbed hair that lay straight upon her head. He heard the sounds of her sniffle, and as she turned around, saw the tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Professor. She just meant so much to me.” Lifting a hand to wipe away the salty tears, she grasps his hand with it, pulling his body closer to hers. She lifts her head, tears freely falling, and kisses his lips. Her mouth parts slightly, as she nibbles at his bottom lip, persuading him to open his. His hands smoothly glide up her back and to the back of her neck, pulling her closer. Minutes pass, and they part, surprised and discreetly relieved. As her breathing slows and returns to normal, Ashley Lee Grace asks to see him again. “We can’t do this Ashley. You’re my student, and I’m a married man.” She blushed, quickly gathering her things and making her way to the front of the classroom. He grabbed her arm and whispered “Six o’clock, Main Lane Park.” A slow smile crept across her lips, and she nodded, scribbling the details on her hand. He then proceeded to grab his belongings, also, and walked to the parking lot to drive home.
Fifteen minutes later, Jack arrived to an empty home. Recalling her meeting with the knitting group, he was relieved to find that she wouldn’t be home for another two hours. “Four o’clock, that’s just enough time to take a shower and get dressed.” He excitedly climbed the stairs to prepare for his rendezvous. An hour later, he struggled to sit still on the sofa, as he flipped through channels on the television set. He wanted to meet with her right then and there. He wanted to recall every moment that had occurred in the studio just hours earlier. Knowing that time was his enemy in this moment, he decided to conquer it by reading one of his favorite books, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. Samantha had given it to him as a gift three years ago, remembering how happy he was to discover it in the book store the week prior. He was saddened at the thought of how he had hurt her earlier that morning, though his heart stirred at the thought of holding Ashley Lee Grace again, her body slowly exposing itself to the external elements. An hour passed, and he was exiting the driveway, pulling onto the road towards Main Lane Park. Finding a few scattered cars and students reading through books in the park, he swung open the door and stood. His hand shielded his eyes, as he scanned the cascading hills searching for her. Suddenly, small hands were scanning his ribcage, and he turned around, pulling her close. “Did I keep you waiting, Professor Marlin?” Her coy smile played across her lips, and he longed to take her away from there and show her what lack of discipline he held within. “No you didn’t. I’ve just arrived. Where shall we go now?” He twirled her hair between his fingers, and she stood as tall as was possible and whispered in his ear, “My place. We’ll have drinks.” He nodded, and they got into his car. Arriving at her apartment, she turned the key in the lock. Upon entering, Jack noticed the accents of college life – obscure posters on the walls, thrift store furniture, as well as each room offering a small amount of space to compensate for its size. “I like your apartment,” he offered, noticing the living room had a slight accent of herself with light pastels and a few of her original paintings. “Thanks. It’s not easy being a college student and tenant. It puts a strain on the extravagant lifestyle.” She laughed forcefully, and he cracked a smile. Walking towards her, he pulled her in towards him, offering his mouth as a relief from her distress. She accepted hungrily, as saltwater rolled down her cheek. Cupping her cheek in his hand, he used his thumb to eliminate the remaining saltwater on her face. His fingers intertwined with hers and became the leader toward the sofa on which she had obtained through a former student. Art books lay scattered about the room, her coffee table stacked with sketches and paintings. Pushing the books and artwork to the floor, she laughed and said, “We can put our glasses here,” and as she regained her composure, “I’m sorry about the mess.” He kissed her nose and smiled, saying that she needn’t apologize for anything. He understood her world. Wrapping a free arm around her waist, he pulled her closer, and they spoke of how their lives embraced the one thing that originally connected them: art. Watching the way her mouth moved to form each word she spoke, he couldn’t help but be drawn more and more towards her. If she could know the thoughts that migrated from his heart to his mind, she would lose all control in his actions.
As the evening came to a close, Jack got into his fashionable car and drove home. Samantha had already prepared dinner and was patiently awaiting his arrival. When he walked through the door, she couldn’t help but ask, “Where have you been, mister? Didn’t you know I’ve been waiting for you?” Pulling her into an embrace, he kissed her hard, desperate to touch her, explore every inch of her body. “Honey, w-wait, dinner is on the stove. I have to turn it off.” He turned it off with the flick of a wrist, and she fell into his passion. He caressed every part of her, wanting, desperate to discover more. She did not know what came over him, but she knew it was hard to resist. All the thoughts she had previously thought of discussing with him escaped her mind. She could no longer maintain the frustration that was with her earlier and his not being home on time. She knew her books would go unnoticed that night.
The next day was a lonely one, as she awoke to find him gone. A rose and a note on his pillow told her that he had to go into work early, since there was an exam that day. “Sometimes I wish we could just escape all of this. That fantasy of living together on a deserted island will always be with me.” She sighed and rose lazily, not wanting to ready herself for the long day of manuscripts ahead. June told her that it could be another late night tonight, but she would try to go over as much as she could to reduce the overtime they would need to put in. Despite the advantages of a few extra dollars, she despised staying later than necessary, especially when she had neighborhood events to plan. She had planned to present a painting to Lorraine and Mark as a wedding gift. It was finished, minus a few minor touch-ups. As she looked at her watch, she realized her schedule would result in what would seem like endless exhaustion.
In his art class, Jack awaited the students’ exams that would soon be submitted. He always dreaded days like these, for they would end in a long night he didn’t care for. As his eyes scanned the room, he noticed Ashley Lee Grace staring contently at him. A smile curled her lips, and he gave a slight nod to acknowledge her. She frowned and turned back to her work. “I don’t understand. Things were so great yesterday. Why the sudden decline?” She decided she would ask him after class. Jack’s thoughts continuously went to the night prior, how they were so full of lust and want. “Want that could become need,” he thought. He struggled to maintain his composure as he kept himself calm, as any professional would be. His mind constantly struggled to wander to the ache in his heart that tore him between two women. What was to occur if they ever found out about the other, his shadow whispered. He felt as if he had an alter ego – one that longed to be content with his happy marriage to Samantha and the other which only focused on the growing attraction to Ashley Lee Grace. Oh, what a predicament! Unbeknownst to him, Ashley Lee Grace had a plan. She knew that he was slowly being drawn to her. That’s all she had ever wanted since the first day he laid eyes on him. Her plan was slowly progressing towards accomplishment. “I always get my way, and this little thing will be no different,” she considered with a sly grin. Once the students exited the class, Ashley Lee Grace stayed behind, contemplating her next move. Only through careful planning could her plan succeed to draw him in. She knew his mind was on her, but his heart was elsewhere. “His wife,” she remembered, recalling the brief mention of her from the day prior. “What to do about a woman so prominent in his life,” she pondered. This would require much thought that she decided to put it aside for later. In the present, he sat at his desk, glancing over assignments and exams, trying to sort through the stack of papers. She walked forward, noting how tense he was through his posture and facial expressions. With a great sigh, he threw his pen down, frustrated that he had to struggle through each day, constantly agitated at his students. He felt the longing to submit a resignation letter, until he thought of Samantha. For a split second, his heart twinge, wishing he could near her in this moment. “No one else compares to her.” As thoughts of her floated through his mind, he was abruptly interrupted by the curvy body standing before him. She shone radiant, as if to be sure Jack noticed no one else but her.
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February 12, 2007
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I love the train of thought method, but it does get a bit confusing. Going from one setting to the next with no interval or serious connection is a bit destracting. But it’s a great piece, and I think the publication is lucky to have it.
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