Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. The Reward of The Angels (MF) By: (c)Been There 2004 Not because there was much he still wanted to accomplish this day and in fact his urges seemed unimportant at this time. A joy swelled within as noticed all the small bodily aches being gone when he stretched muscles and joints before he opened his eyes to start the day. For seventy five years he had gotten up before the sun and labored long after it set, sharing what he earned with those less able to fend for themselves. He still took joy from such memories as making a small friend's Christmas morning wish come true with a simple toy or gift desired so intently. He counted as his wealth these memories not the few material possessions he had accumulated. He longed for a soul companion as his father had for the many years. He remembered his youth as he grew to manhood watching both his parents age and wither away but they still expressed that single majestic spark of love between them. Their life was each other and they refreshed that love everyday. At the time, it never seem enough, today he longed for such a companion. It was not the same, however, it seem so natural as he rose from the Spartan bed and shuffled for his familiar slippers, faithful servants in keeping his feet insulated from the cold floor, and finding nothing beneath him but a silver carpet thick with nap of long fiber and springy under his feet. He rose fully to his full height of six feet and yawned again as he stretched and flexed his back and arms to loosen everything for the days chores. While the difference of his surroundings registered fully in his mind, it all seemed natural, even as a bug of doubt into his brain. "It seems right but I know it isn't," thoughts collided with the visions his eyes transmitted to his brain. Reluctantly and slowly he shuffled to the doorway, anticipating the familiar vision of his farm greeting him there. As the door swung slowly open and the morning sun streamed into the room with a golden brilliance never before known this time of year it didn't seem strange. She knew her end was near. The doctors had medicated her to a point where worry and pain were lost in the chemical shroud. Elizabeth had comforted her foster children and their children, exhibiting a brave honesty of her condition. The good-byes over, her memories returned to the events she cherished most; the soft skin of her oldest child the day she was delivered and surrendered unto her care, the excitement of both foster children on so many Christmas mornings, bandaging the skinned knees after they fell at play and making everything better with a kiss. She loved them both, wishing they had been hers naturally, and not wanting to change anything either. She had provided for them and couldn't have loved them more if they were. The pain now gone but her vision failed to distinguish the room and equipment mounted close by. The surroundings were softer. Had she been moved? She touched the control at her side to tilt the bed higher and found it was missing. Was it important enough for her to struggle searching? She lifted her head, noting for once the stiffness and stabbing pain didn't shock her. Elizabeth moved even further as she rolled to her side, free of the pain and with a level of energy not felt for years. No longer did the high medical bed have protective railings holding her a virtual prisoner. Against all the doctor's rules, she swung her legs over the edge and sat with her feet buried in the soft tuft of the carpet. She mused, "the medication is really working this time. I haven't felt this well in years." Slowly she rose to her feet, expecting all the debility's to return as she lifted herself upright. She hesitantly stepped toward the window, as she neared the scene startled and amused her. Gone was the busy inner-city and the congested traffic below, instead was the field of spring flowers split by a narrow stream bed winding haphazardly toward the horizon. The narrow stream beckoned all travelers with its soothing babble. The fresh air of the field added to the pleasurable surroundings. He pulled a stem of tall grass and chewed the tender end as he seated himself at the base of a gnarly old oak tree. The deeply shaded spot hid him from the casual view as Elizabeth, he would later learn, strolled along the water's edge. Here was a magnificent lovely lady alone, as was he, on this wonderful day. "Do I dare speak? Will I frighten her? " These thoughts hammered at his mind. He wasn't easily conversant with the fairer sex, living his single life, as he overruled his fear. "Good Morning." He was the first person she had encountered since leaving the dwelling and she welcomed the company. "And to you, fair sir." "Would you care to sit a spell and rest." "No, kind sir, I wish to stroll some more. It has been ages since I was able. Perhaps you would care to accompany me away further, if you have nothing pressing." "It would be a pleasure and honor to be in the presence's of such a lovely young maiden." She blushed as the compliment was so obvious. "Hardly young," she commented. "Not as young as a fine upstanding man as yourself." "Now you are manufacturing complements," he responded. "Indeed, sir, your youthful looks betray your words," again she countered. "My arm is yours," with such grand flourish, as she twined hers in his. He inhaled the delicate fragrance of her nearness. They strolled along the stream as he made sure of the footing before assisting her over the passages that were treacherous. Her nearness brought them both into bodily contact as he assisted her past the more difficult spots. Here the swell of bosom against his arm, there a hand falling against his chest as more contact became required. Her footing lost as he assisted her from atop a large boulder, she caught herself against his chest. With grace his hands circled her waist as she was set lightly to the ground. His shirt became unbuttoned some with the physical exertion as her hand almost caressed him with the contact. Lingering a short moment longer than necessary, the touch of his skin sent shivers long gone from memories past signalling to her brain pleasure. She again felt the rise of blood to her face. "I am sorry if my touch offends you," in an apologetic tone. "Take it as the clumsiness of an old woman." "I find your touch invigorating, if I may be so bold. Never has a young woman such as yourself even cared to accompany me much less worry about offending me. Give me a few years back and I would be honored to be a suitor." "Nonsense, sir, you a few years younger and I would be accused of cradle robbing." It began to dawn on the both that they were not seeing the other in realistic terms. With her arm firm in his hand, he marched her to the water's edge where a reflective pool awaited. "Now, look at yourself!" He commanded. As she did, he saw his own reflection minus fifty years of labor and wrinkles. Each was astonished at the reflections staring back at them. The years had dissolved away and they stood arm and arm a beautiful charming couple. She spoke first, "I think I had better sit for that spell and consider what has become of me." "You mean us!" He lead her back to the comfort of the sprawling oak tree where with a flourish assisted her as she sat. He sat beside her almost in a state of shock himself. "Since, I never properly introduced myself and it was I that initiated our coup de theater, my story must come first," he offered. His life story was related as was hers. They became dear friends in the intervening moments but had not come closer to the answer to their situation. "We went from debilitated to rejuvenated in the matter of minutes as we rose from our sleep. We both have become active again in the prime of life, healthy as we have not enjoyed for many years, and are thrust together in some land where life is easy, mild and comfortable. I have not wanted or needed food or drink, you have made no mention of it and our compatibility seems phenomenal. I feel a bond as strong as though I have known you all my life." "I also have a feeling as if we were together in our past. I feel it but also realize the impossiblity of it all." "Let us then try to figure what has happened. We were both near the end of life as we best remember it, did we have passed on to this 'something' else that only time will determine what it is? Our vitality has returned, your charm is certainly exhibited and we each find, in the other, extremely good companionship. At least I do" she stated. "You speak of charm, while you fail to mention beauty, which you abound," he answered. "And, yes, I do find in you good companionship. Perhaps this is your reward for caring for those children so unselfishly for those long years and giving up chances for you own happiness." "They brought me a form of happiness unequaled by any other." "And you gave everything of yourself and asked nothing in return." "What then are we to do until we determine the answers?" "Since neither of us would ever abandon our life as we have lived it, I think we just take life as it presents itself. Since we have no agenda and no other cares, I will protect you as best I can while we wait." He followed the trail back to his abode using the bent flower stalks as a marker. At the door, he opened it to allow her passage. It warmed her heart, all the kindness he demonstrated whenever she showed reluctance to any suggestion he offered. She soon cared more than she realized for this stranger she now knew so well. He wandered for the first time through the expanse of the domicile, which he had neglected to do that morning. He found comforts waiting usually not found in a home of his means. There was ample space and means for her privacy also. While she settled in and became accustomed to this arrangement he explored the remainder of the area outside. He found the makings for the handiwork he enjoyed with his spare time. He found material for projects and tools that he loved to use. He knew she would required many changes in her homemaking routine. He longed for the day she would ask of him to do these things. The long and arduous day wound to an end and they reluctantly parted for their separate quarters. She lingered at her doorway as he passed through his. A feeling of loss overtook her as he closed his door. With little awareness she dressed for bed in clothing familiar but different. The fit and cut accentuated her new figure. A long forgotten sensation of hunger and longing shivered through her body. She shrugged as she tucked the bedclothes about her and switched the remaining light off. She lay in deep darkness and silence tossing and wondering of the strange feelings she carried. He also tossed and turned while the night slowly passed. He cared more for her than he had the right too. He would explain his feelings as best he could and find her other arrangements to live. He never had struggled with this dilemma before and was unsure of a proper solution. As sleep almost overtook his consciousness a soft rap, almost unheard, came at the door. "Yes," he responded. It startled him to see her in the soft moon glow, demure and hesitant, waiting for his approval to enter further. She explained, "I am so lonely and confused, may I spend the night nearer you. I feel a comfort when you are closer." As if afraid of the answer, he asked, "Would you wish me to sit by you or you to lie beside me? Would that allay your concerns? I promise you, I will be every bit a gentleman." "Yes, that is my fondest wish and I am not concerned about your conduct. You demonstrated through day the most exemplary courtesies toward me and my weaknesses. Your protective arms around me would allow me comfort and sleep." He opened his arms to her, gowned and robed, she slithered in beside him and rested her head upon his broad shoulder. His big hand engulfed her tiny ones that was folded at her chin and his other arm wrapped her in his bear like hug to complete the circle around her. He felt a weight lift from his conscious mind as she settled in for the night. He also felt a stirring in his groin that had been absent for decades. He started to drift into the twilight glow of slumber when she shifted her hands lower on her body. Taking his hands in hers in the movement she rested his at the swell of her breast. Again a rise of passion stirred in his groin. He was sure it was an innocent movement on her part but he responded nevertheless. He shifted his body away from direct contact to conceal his feelings. She was not unaware of his stirrings and pressed closer with the innocence of slumber to cover her movements. Tiny hands also innocently pressured his, fuller on the soft globes and the now extended nipples that refused to remain hidden beneath the bed cloths she wore. As they lay front to back he also swelled to fullness between them. He was sure she was sleeping and wouldn't be aware of this intrusion, still every move he made to separate she innocently countered to remain pressed firmly against him. She could hear his uneven breathing and rolled in her simulated slumber to face him. Their lips now only millimeters apart and his manhood pressing harder against her stomach she initiated the first bold measure she had taken. She framed his face with her small hands and lightly kissed his lips. So taken by surprise, he failed to respond. "Did I offend you,?" she asked. "Surprised, yes, offended no, I thought you were asleep." And he again attempted to separate from her. She again kissed him, this time with more enthusiasm and he was now prepared to respond. She twined a leg between his and scooted herself extremely near his hardness. With one free hand she opened her gown and the other touched his hip urging him closer with a positiveness he had never experienced. Buttocks bare and aflame from his nearness she guided his hands to her breasts. As he touched the flesh she offered a quivering reaction throughout her body. Now surer of her approval, he fondled the nipples into enrage buttons of nerve endings as she spread her buttocks and legs to cradle his manhood between. She stroked her body, enhancing the sensation with buttocks saddled over him and her flat stomach and pubic region pressed firmly against his body. She again framed his face with soft hands and moved his lips to her nipples. His hunger ravaged her with an intensity neither had experienced before. So intent, he failed to notice her straddling his body and forcing entry into her vaginal cavity. It was at that moment she came to the obstruction whereas in all her previous lifetime was never ruptured. Never faltering she pressed on to fulfill her desire of having this man to the fullest. He felt the gasp and noticed the shrinking back as the membrane tore and he entered her completely. Moments later she had composed herself and began a series of hip and muscle maneuvers the brought him to a delirious high. He wanted to return to the nipples where he had found so much excitement and reaction but every time he or she moved, something else became more fascinating to his touch. This symphony of lovemaking continued during the entire night. Each new experience was something they cherished and like a child in a candy story couldn't decide on what was their most enjoyable. Each was assured as morning broke the sky into gold and silver this would continue for they now had committed to each other that wish. They finally slept as the brilliance of the new day swept over them. Arms entwined around the other with no space between their bodies, they slumbered. Through out the day and night they slept with cares and worries behind them, they slept and changed. The dawn of the second day crept into the sky with the stealth of every dawn. The golden rays penetrating the blackness, forming a glow on the horizon informing all that it was coming in spite of the reluctance of night to relinguish control. When dark had passed and light again ruled the scene, they awoke, still in the embrace of the other. They blessed the other with a morning hug and kiss as though it were a lifetime ritual. So different than the mornings before where each suffered and struggled to meet the dawn. They both remembered the night of union and the pleasure that sprung from the coupling. She blessed her fortune to have as a mate this man, so caring, so gentle.