by Mei Silk
“Don’t worry. I’ll be right next to you.”
Sara glared at him. “I got traumatized just by looking at you, climbing without any protection.”
Mateo smiled. “So, you got worried. Was that why you sneaked away in the middle?”
“No. I just thought you were crazy. That isn’t even right. What if the kids copied you?”
“Come on. Be honest. First you missed me, and then you worried about me. Are you in love with me?”
“Stop it! I came because my dad and Aunt Liu were trying to fix me up with some guy again.”
“Oh, so you would rather see me than meet someone else? I’m so flattered!”
“I simply prefer the camp over a blind date.”
“Whatever. I’m glad you’re here.” He pulled her closer and pressed his hot lips over hers.
Sara felt powerless at once. Letting his soft tongue claim her lips and her mouth, she soon forgot where she was, and clutched his back tightly with her hands, until she heard giggles of kids.
She pushed Mateo away and blushed as she saw the kids behind them.
“Hi!” Mateo waved at them. “I’ll be right with you.”
“Take your time!” The kids laughed and ran away.
* * *
The rest of the day was full of adventures. Besides canoeing, archery, water trampoline, Sara also participated in scouting. Within hours she had made friends with a couple of kids, including Lila, an adorable nine-year-old Eurasian girl with straight black hair and clear blue eyes. Sara had teamed up with Lila in the canoe game, and won.
When Mateo announced that the next item on the day’s agenda was zip-lining, a brand new item on this year’s camp activities, Sara thought she would skip it. But Lila wouldn’t let her.
“It’ll be fun, Sara, come with us!”
Sara couldn’t refuse that adorable smile, so she came along.
There were five courses for Flying Bear Zip Lines, which ran inside the forest, beginning with a rock on the ground, stopping at a couple of treetop platforms, and ending back on the ground. The younger kids were accompanied by the counselor, while others would “fly” alone.
Sara grimaced as she watched the kids happily let the worker put on their gear for them, got on the platform high aboveground, and experienced the adventure like a little kid would, without even considering the possible danger they faced. Some of them let out screams of excitement, which to her sounded like screams of fear. She had a problem even getting into the cable car. There was no way that she would put her faith on that treacherous wire and let herself be transported like a helpless animal.
Lila stood next to Sara while she was waiting for her turn. Sara felt the little hand squeezing hers each time a kid screamed. And when it was Lila’s turn, she clung to Sara and wouldn’t move to the platform.
“What’s wrong, Lila, it’s your turn?” Sara asked her softly.
Lila whispered, “I’m scared.”
“There is nothing to be afraid of. It’ll be fun.” Sara did her best to encourage the girl.
Lila walked gingerly towards the platform and let Jason, the director of the courses put on the hat and the rope for her. Just before she was sent off, she asked Sara, “Aren’t you coming with me?”
Jason also looked at Sara, “I think you’d better go with her.”
Sara was embarrassed. What was she going to do? She couldn’t refuse the child, but she was afraid.
Mateo, who was standing on the side, came forward. “I’ll go with her.”
But Lila shook her head. “I want Sara.”
Mateo looked at Sara, and Sara looked at him.
“You can do it, babe.” Mateo patted on her shoulder and gave her an encouraging smile.
Those words seemed to put a spell on her, for Sara forgot her fear and went forward to put on her gear.
Holding little Lila, Sara closed her eyes and put her faith on the line that, just a minute ago, was like a death rope to her.
The moment Sara’s feet left the platform and she felt her weight hanging in the air, Lila screamed—and Sara screamed with her. They screamed and screamed, until they got to the other end of the line, then Sara heard Lila laughing.
“I love it, Sara!”
Sara opened her eyes when they were flying back to the platform, and saw the beautiful treetops of the forest flying by her. The Big Bear Lake was ahead of them, sparking under the green treetops. And just when she was beginning to enjoy it, they were back to the ground platform.
“Thanks, Sara.” Lila gave her a hug after they both got rid of the gear.
“You’re very welcome!” Sara said, a bit out of breath.
Sara’s heart was jumping like a mad deer. She was looking for a place to lean on when a big arm caught her waist.
“Good job!” Mateo’s soothing voice made her want to cry.
Sara put her head on Mateo’s chest, despite all the eyes on them.
Mateo stamped a kiss on her forehead. “Want to go for another round with me?”
“No, thanks,” she said, pushing him away.
Chapter 16
By sunset, Sara was exhausted. When Mateo had suggested they go camping after the bonfire, she hesitated.
“I don’t know. All I want now is a comfortable bed, or any bed. And I’ll sleep until noon tomorrow.”
“You could do that while camping.”
“I don’t think I can sleep in a tent. There’ll be mosquitoes.”
“I’ll fend them off for you.”
So shortly after the campfire, Sara found herself in the wilds again, this time alone with Mateo.
They got to a spot around Jenks’ lake, and Mateo set up the tent quickly. After that, he gathered some fallen tree branches from nearby and started a fire.
“Impressive.” Sara nodded. “Looks like you’ve been doing it every day of your life.”
“No. Just about once a year. I try to sneak out at least once whenever I’m here. Otherwise it doesn’t feel like camping.”
“I haven’t done it for years. The last time I camped was in college. We went to Death Valley. All I remember was a bunch of mosquitoes. I would have brought some insect repellent spray if I knew I would be camping out.”
“Don’t worry,” Mateo said. “The smoke repels insects.”
Indeed, the burning wood gave out an aromatic smell.
Sara sat down and stared at the fire for a moment, then she turned to Mateo and said, “I’m so glad I came. It’s wonderful to feel like a child again. I almost forgot how happy I was then.”
Mateo put his arm around her. “Aren’t you happy now?”
Sara paused. “I’m content most of the time, but not as carefree as then.”
Mateo kissed the side of her neck, “How come?”
“I don’t know. I guess that’s what it’s like to be an adult. You don’t enjoy life anymore. You just deal with it.”
* * *
Mateo was silent after Sara’s words. He remembered the conversation he’d had with Teresa before coming to the camp. Teresa had had a talk with Sara’s dad at his flower shop, and found out that Sara had had a miserable marriage. But she didn’t know the details. Instead, she had encouraged him to talk to Sara and find out. That was the reason that he had tried to invite Sara to join him at the camp. He wanted to ask her. He wanted to know what had made her worry and be wary with men. He had known all along that she didn’t have faith in him, but now he guessed she didn’t trust any man at all. He wanted to assure her. But he didn’t know how to start the conversation. He didn’t want her to feel awkward, and moreover, he didn’t want those unhappy memories to ruin the beautiful night, which she was obviously enjoying.
“Are you tired, Sara? Would you like to go in and lie down in the tent?”
“I’m tired but I don’t want to go to sleep just yet. It’s too beautiful out here.”
Mateo went into the tent and brought out a blanket. He put it on the ground and they laid side by side on it, under the sky. T
he sky was beautiful. Stars shone like diamonds on a velvet dress.
“You don’t see anything like this in LA,” Mateo said.
“It makes the night sky above my yard look like a holograph.”
The air was sweet and a bit chilly. The scent of pines was intoxicating. Sara let out a cough and Mateo looked over at her, studying her.
“Are you cold?” Mateo pulled Sara close and held her tight.
He inhaled her unique scent, so womanly and sexy.
“No I’m not cold,” Sara whispered to his ear. “You know why? Because you’re the sun of the night.”
Mateo flicked his eyes to her lips, and leaned down, capturing her soft lips in a fiery kiss.
“You’re making me so hot,” Sara murmured as she sat up, and took off her t-shirt.
Mateo gasped at the sight of her beautiful body glowing under the starlight.
“You’re the brightest star in the galaxy!” he said and leant over to kiss the parts of her that were stars of a star.
“Mmm,” Sara whimpered with delight.
Mateo loved the sound of that and he wanted to hear more of it. His lips lingered on her nipple, hard and alluring, pulling it slightly first, and then flicked it using his tongue. Sara’s moans were relentless.
“I want you, Mateo,” she said breathily.
Mateo stopped. It just occurred to him at that moment that he didn’t bring any condoms, because he hadn’t expected Sara to be here.
He kissed her earlobes and whispered, “Do you have any condoms?”
“No, I didn’t think we’ll be alone like this.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll use my tongue.”
“Are you sure?” Sara asked, panting heavily.
“Yes. I want to make you happy.”
As soon as he said that, he moved down and undid the zip of her jeans. With her help, the cumbersome garments were removed and he had her beautiful, sexy legs in front of him. He kissed her leg and licked her thigh, lingering for a moment before he reached her warmest point, just to make her wonder. And then, before she could squirm against his mouth, the tip of his tongue felt the soft, pink jewel hidden among her dewy petals.
Again Sara cried, “Oh, my Mateo!”
My Mateo. Mateo’s body shook as he heard that sweet utterance.
My Sara, he thought, and flicked his tongue over the little pink pearl. Little by little, her legs parted as if to show him that she was his, that she was willing to open to him, to be conquered by him.
He flicked faster and faster, feeling the tightening of her hands that were grasping his shoulders, and then he felt the spasm inside her as she let out a long and satisfying moan.
Mateo lay beside Sara and kissed her, cradling her like a complacent kitten.
She purred, and said softly, “Thank you, Mateo. That was terrific. You’re the hottest star in the universe.”
And she kissed him, running her tongue deep inside his mouth, softly greeting every inch of skin inside.
Then she straddled over him and kissed him while unbuttoned his shirt, from his lips down to his chest, and to the center of his body.
“Mmmm, that feels good. What made you so wild, Sara? I thought you were tired.”
“The mountain air, I guess, and the energy from a hot star.”
With that, she unzipped his jeans.
Mateo took his pants off in an instant and saw the joy in Sara’s eyes as the beautiful, long and proud manhood was presented under her.
As she wrapped her soft hand around the shaft and began to stroke up and down, Mateo’s whole body was on fire, as if there was indeed a burning star in him. Her pace quickened and he thought the star was going to explode. He loved that feeling and he hated to have it over soon, and he begged her.
“Wait a minute, Sara. It feels too good. I’m going to come in a second. Would you go slowly, please?”
“Yes, my star,” Sara said playfully, and slowed down, deliberately leaving a long pause between each stroke.
“Not that slow, please,” he begged again.
“You’re hard to please.” Sara laughed softly and without warning, ran her tongue over it.
Sara’s tongue was so soft that he wondered why it had the power to harden him as soon as it touched him. He watched her as she licked his restless penis, which seemed to have a life of its own. Watching it, he almost got jealous as Sara’s attention was focusing on it alone. He wanted to hold her, to feel her mouth and her body and the same time. It was unbearable to feel the need for her and not be able to grab her entire being. The fire in him built up and it made him moan louder. He pushed her away and cried out her name as it finally erupted. “Sara!”
* * *
They huddled together and lay silently in each other’s arms afterwards. Then, when both had fully drunk up the lingering happiness and had calmed from the thrilling sensation of love making, they stirred and began to talk.
“Don’t tell me it’s your first time outdoors,” Sara said, cuddling against him.
“Actually, it’s my second time.”
“Really?” Sara asked jealously. “When was the first time?”
“About a couple of weeks ago,” he said casually.
“A couple of weeks ago? With whom? Where?” Sara asked loudly.
“In my backyard. With a girl named Yingying.”
Sara laughed. “Liar. That couldn’t be your first time.”
“Believe it or not, it was.”
Sara nibbled on his earlobe.
“What about you? Is it your first time?”
“Yes and no. I attempted it once, but failed.”
Mateo’s heart beat started to accelerate. He held his breath and waited for her to continue.
“Are you awake, Mateo?”
“Yes, I’m listening.”
“It was actually here at the same spot. When I was here last time, about fifteen years ago. I had a crush on a guy, a counselor from another Y. He took me up here one night to make out with me. I can’t believe I let him convince me. It wasn’t anything I would do ordinarily. I had known him for only two weeks, and back then, two weeks was a short amount of time. I was somewhat rebellious then. I wanted to lose my virginity. After all, it was romantic to do it under the stars. Sometimes, I still wonder what would have happened if one of the kids from the camp hadn’t shown up”
She stopped, wondering why she was telling all this and why Mateo was so quiet.
“Am I boring you?”
“No.”
“I was kissing this guy when that boy just suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He didn’t do anything, just stood there and stared at me. I had to remind him that it was against the rules for him to run around alone after dark. And guess what he said? He said—”
Mateo interrupted her, “He said that you’d better take him back to the bungalow because he had gotten lost.”
“How do you know?” A sudden feeling of unease filled Sara.
“Because,” Mateo paused. “I was that silly little boy.”
“You were that boy?” Sara felt incredulous and for a moment couldn’t speak. After an awkward silence she said, “You’re kidding.”
“No, I’m not. Want to know why I was there?”
“Why?”
“Because I was, I know you won’t believe it, but I was madly in love with you. You were the reason that I came to the camp in the first place. I had to beg my mom to let me go. You had no idea how jealous I was when you flirted with John. It was the unhappiest two weeks of my life! When I saw you going out after dinner that evening, I followed you.”
Mateo stopped abruptly.
Sara was at a loss for words. How had that happened? How could that even be possible?
“You were about ten?”
“No, I was thirteen.”
“You couldn’t possibly be in love then. You were a kid.”
“I was a kid, but I was in love with you.” Mateo stared deep into her eyes when he said that. “I know that because I still feel that
way about you fifteen years later.”
“I can’t believe it,” Sara murmured.
“It’s true.” Mateo’s voice was husky. “I’ve never forgotten you. You probably don’t remember me, but I’ve never forgotten you. You taught me how to swim. You were the first person who held my hands in water, and told me not to be afraid, that you were right by me, whatever happened you would save me. I didn’t trust you at first, but you proved yourself to. Whenever I faltered and got frightened, you would touch my back and let me know that you were there. You never failed me, Sara.”
Sara was dumbfounded. Little by little, she remembered that little boy: timid, obedient, and yet tenacious. She had favored him among her students. He wasn’t very good at swimming at first, but he worked hard and excelled. She would give him little rewards for his hard work.
Oh my God! His Champaca necklace was from her! She remembered how much he had loved it: he wore it every day, even though she told him to throw it away and that she would make him a new one. But how could that boy grow up to be Mateo?
“I remember you. I called you Mat and I thought it was short for Matthew.”
Mateo nodded.
“You were skinny and short back then,” Sara mumbled and covered herself with the blanket, suddenly very self-conscious.
“Yes, but I kept swimming and became tall and strong.” He smiled and flexed his arm to show off his beautiful bicep.
Sara smiled. “Yes, you’re a big boy now. So did you know who I was the first day when I came back? Was that why you asked me to teach for you?”
“Actually, I didn’t know you were Yingying until the night of the fundraiser. You were telling your dad over the phone that you were excited being the champion again.”
“I see.” Sara nodded.
“Although,” Mateo added, “I always had the feeling that you looked like Yingying, I just didn’t want to confirm it. I was afraid you weren’t.”
“Sounds like you’ve been waiting for Yingying to come back,” Sara said softly.
“Yes. I have been waiting for you, Yingying. Every year, I came to the same spot to remember how you left that guy and took my hand. And I’m glad that you’re back.” Mateo held her and pressed her tightly to him, so that she could feel his forceful heartbeat.
