LJ Idol: Week 7

[garnigal]

Please read Toni the Great’s entry first - https://tonithegreat.dreamwidth.org/8904.html

With full dark descended, Kylie’s sense of dread intensifies. She sees glittering eyes among the trees, hears trees moving in the wind. The reality of camping as an adult differs greatly from the rose-coloured memories of her youth. She remembers laughter and the crackle of fire that drew everyone into its circle of light. She remembers card games, and running through the rain to crawl into her sleeping bag.

She didn’t bother with a fire tonight; it’s too much effort for one person already exhausted by the reality of life. She hangs lanterns around the site for light, but the white LEDs of modern camping lanterns throw harsh shadows and create an ambiance very different from what she wanted when she drove out here. She can see campfires flickering at other nearby campsites though and hear the laughter of family and friends.

When she left this morning, all she’d said was she needed to get away, to be away from all the heavy expectations. But once she arrived, she realized that the heavy expectations followed her. No, even that isn’t right. She is the one with the expectations. She is the one who thinks she has to be the best employee, the best homemaker, the best person. No one else asks that of her. They just want her happiness.

She feels a little thrill when she thinks about Jameson. The 3 dates they’d been on had been lovely; great food, fun activities, and excellent conversation. But then he’d asked her to come to his place, and she’d freaked out. This body, naked in front of someone she was developing feelings for? As much as she feels desire for his touch, she feared his disgust more.

But now? Alone in the dark, she remembers floating and swimming in the Gulf this afternoon, how her body was strong even when she was frightened. 

Her body is strong. It isn’t perfect; she isn’t perfect. But she has the capacity for love, and a good man who is interested in building something with her. When she’d texted him that she had plans to go camping, he didn’t whine that he was being left alone, just said he hoped she had good weather. Told her he was thinking about her. Offered to take her out when she got home and even suggested dates and times that show how serious he is about spending time with her.

She levers herself up from her chair and moves around the camp turning off the lanterns. She’s smiling, thinking about Jameson. She grabs her phone, feeling that little thrill. Letting it make her feel confident, letting the thrill guide her fingers as she scrolls down her contacts to the Js. To his name.

“Hi Jameson. I’m sitting in the dark, thinking about you too. I’m coming home early tomorrow, and I’d love to have you come to my place for dinner. Around 6? I’m really looking forward to seeing you.”

Kylie’s laughter joins the distant laughter from other sites, and her words fade to a soft murmur as she tucks herself up in her tent to talk to someone who could be her future.

Comments

[jerusha]

I really enjoyed both parts of this story, and I liked the epiphany at the end.

[rayaso]

This was a wonderful, sweet story. It was interesting to see how body imagery issues nearly derailed a promising romance. I'm glad they got together in the end.

[bleodswean]

I love this last part of the intersection - such an upbeat and positive way to bring it full circle!

[drippedonpaper]

You both wrote a great character. I know she's great because I care about her and am so glad she has a wonderful guy :)

I like the ending (or maybe you will continue to add to her story? :)

[legalpad819]

This reminds me of the text message I sent my husband after our first date. Something small and hopeful, which (in the end) turned out to be much bigger than I'd ever imagined.

[muchtooarrogant]

I liked how Kylie worked herself through the dread she was feeling, and ended up laughing before bedtime.

Dan

[halfshellvenus]

I liked the hopefulness of the ending here, and the realization that no one is perfect, and they aren't expected to be. Feeling that way about herself would be hard to let go of.

[alycewilson]

It's rewarding to see how this turns out in the end, and how she has a revelation.