by Marian Stack
In a whispering voice, “Can I pick her up?”
Turtle responded as she poured a small amount of hot water into one of the cups. “I think leaving her in this position will do for now as she seems to be resting comfortably.”
Unable to control her flip flopping emotions, Blair repositioned herself to sit with her legs criss-crossed, allowing the blanket to create a sort of hammock and reached over to cradle the pup in her hands and with a very uneasy motion she removed the pup from the ground and rested her on the blanket. Then apprehensively stared at the wild wolf and waited for a negative response, but remarkably the pup seemed to enjoy the much softer resting area and exhaled a small sound of peace.
Noticing the position change Turtle just smiled and carried on with her duties. Her first order of business was to remove a small amount of the rabbit, and then using a flat rock as the receiving plate and a small hand size stone as the mallet she repeatedly struck the mixture of meat and warm water until she pulverized the meat into a mushy pulp. She then repeated the process with a few of the remaining cranberries for sweetness, until she had incorporated all the ingredients. Pleased with both the consistency and taste she positioned herself across from her two cave mates.
She jokingly offered the mixture to Blair first, “Do you want a taste? It’s quite good.”
Keeping the playing going she repeated with a smile on her face, “No thanks, I prefer my food chewable, not pulverized.” And then after a smile from both women Blair asked, “How are you going to feed her? I would think you’d need a special feeding tube, like an eye dropper or something like that.” Blair’s mood changed as her thought pattern continued regarding the feeding procedure.
“Well, you are absolutely correct, a tube would be better but Mother Nature always provides the answer,” she moved her thumbs in the air to indicate what her method of feeding would be used. “In my younger years I watched my father, many times feed a small hungry animal using this technique.”
Dipping her thumb into the warm and creamy mixture, similar to a watery gruel, she reached towards the pups’ mouth, “Ok, let’s give this a try.”
As the pup smelt the gruel its’ reaction was less than impressed. She did nothing to try to taste the mixture.
“But she’s starving! Why won’t she eat?” Blair’s reaction once again showed she possessed very little knowledge about the wild world that loiters around her big city life.
“She may just be too weak. Or she needs some encouragement. Let’s try this.” Turtle wiggled her body closer as she reached for the pups head and gently pushed the tip of her thumb into its mouth.
The pup turned its head to the side and whimpered.
“Stop… you are hurting her. Your thumb is too big for her little mouth. Try your baby finger.” Blair’s maternal reaction was loud and aggressive.
Turtle let out a small laugh as she offered Blair the gruel to scope some of the meal to feed the pup. “Here, you try.”
“Ok I will. I have much smaller hands than you do anyways.” Blair’s overconfident words filled the cave as she submerged her baby finger into the gruel.
It became very clear, regardless of whose fingers were offering the lifesaving food, the wolf pup was having nothing to do with it.
“What do we do now, Miss Wilderness?” Blair’s voice was filled with humorous sarcasm.
“Well, let’s just try some warm water.” Turtle responded as she stood to retrieve the container of water that she had set to boil earlier for a more purified drinking water.
Blair took command of the feeding and dropped a few droplets of water on the pup’s mouth. Instantly the pup took the water. “Look, she took the water. Give me more.” Blair shoved her fingers into the warm water and repeated the action several times. “She was more thirsty than hungry.” She declared to Turtle as if she knew best, not realizing that this was all a hit or miss procedure.
Turtle was pleased that the pup was coming around and pleased to watch her hardened traveling guest weaken under nature’s way.
Believing that they could do no more for the pup they let the exhausted girl remain snuggled in the blanket on Blair’s lap to sleep for the time being.
As she stared at the loving sight of human and wolf interaction she immediately turned her attention to their night’s meal.
Not realizing how much time was used treating the pup she immediately stood and announced she was leaving, “I’ll be back in a flash.” She then abruptly turned and left the cave. She remembered again about the garden and was hoping for some wild greens, to steam as the rabbit cooked over top of the fire pit.
Stunned by the sudden exit Blair looked down at her sleeping charge and announced, “Well I guess it’s just you and me…baby wolf.” She then consciously realized that with the wolf on her lap she didn’t have the horrible feeling of being alone in the wild, and by taking in a full deep breath she allowed the aroma and the peace of the cave to fill her senses.
Travelling with a single purpose in mind Turtle hurried over the many obstacles that tried to prevent her from getting to her prize. As she travelled through the forest she became very concerned on several levels as she proceeded to the garden area. Not only had the torrential rains continued but the look of the sky indicated that there was no chance of change in sight. She also worried that there had been zero indication of air rescue as she had not heard a single engine sound of any kind. She knew that with this amount of rainfall, mud slides and other earth moving events would pose a considerable problem for an inexperienced person such as the one she had been caring for.
She understood the cave was the best place for them to temporarily remain in but it was not a long term solution. And she also knew their best chance of rescue was to get back to the main cabin and her home. Susan would know this too. Her mind was racing almost as fast as she was. As she crested the top of the small incline she was pleased to recognize the flat open space that would yield their reward.
As she knelt down to search for some early sprouting vegetation her mind went back to digging and planting the seeds that would inevitably help other creatures and now would assist in helping her create a wilderness dinner that would please the most refined taste palate.
In her hast to gather as many of the greens as possible she also inadvertently scooped up some of her father’s medicinal greens.
As she entered the cave she was pleased to notice that both pup and guest were fast asleep.
With the rabbit remaining in the slow cooking stage and the greens washed and set for steaming, Turtle finally began to care for her own wellbeing. She removed her damaged wet suit and tossed it aside. She knew that it no longer was of any use in this damaged state but would look at the rubberized fabric and keep some for any possible reuse. She removed her under pants and without shame walked over to the healing waters and submerged. Although her skin was not as sensitive as Miss Foster’s she felt the sting of the water on her saturated skin.
As she leaned back onto the wall of the pool she allowed her mind to wonder. She first thought about her friends and the hoped that they were able to get to safety without injury and that all of the women she so briefly met also remained safe and telling to all that would listen about their hair raising adventurous ride down a fast moving river. She then thought about the wolf pup and her chances of survival and what course of action to take to ensure its good outcome and then lastly she began to reconstruct the first Miss Foster she had met to the one that was now sleeping peacefully in a cave surrounded by dirt, germs and a freshly skinned Jack Rabbit cooking over a fire that was about to be her first real dinner in days. However food and safety was not the only confusing part about this ever changing woman’s disposition.
“Move over.” The sudden sound from the familiar voice startled Turtles’ quiet reflection as she had just begun to settle into a peaceful restful place.
As Turtle began to move she felt Blair’s hand touch her shoulder and press down as she used it to balance herself
as she entered the pools’ water.
“I have to admit the smell of the rabbit is starting to stir up my appetite. As you may have guessed by now I have done a little travelling in my life and have consumed many different types of food but never wild Jack rabbit. I’m anxious to try this wild meat.” Blair nonchalantly stated.
“So you are not a vegetarian or one of those other types of eaters.” Turtle’s voice indicated great relief.
Blair released a throat laugh as she noticed her guides’ relief. “You seem to be very relieved about this fact of me eating meat. Well let me tell you something else, I will more than likely fight you for the last morsel of meat and those veggies look very good as well. We will be feasting tonight. And all thanks to you and your many talents.”
“Thank-you for the compliment but my father and I had used that little open spot for a wild garden of sorts for many years. It has been very good to us and I assume to the other forest animals. We only take what we need so it has given back year after year.” Turtle’s voice trailed off as this conversation had sparked a moment of pensive silence.
“Listen to the rain. It sounds so hard. I’m so grateful that we are safe here in this…and my I say… amazing cave! How long have you been coming here again?” Blair’s question brought Turtle back to the present.
“For many years, almost too many to count, my father loved this cave and secured many different items here over the years while enjoying his solitude in comfort.” Her statement relieved that a secret hunt was about to begin.
Blair heard the words but neglected to expand her thoughts regarding the simple statement and continued to move her arms over the water as if she was attempting to swim away but remaining in a sitting position and then as if a bolt of lightning had struck her open mind she rapidly moved to stand directly in front of Turtle as if she was barricading her escape. With her hands on her hips and with the depth of the water coming halfway up her midriff and with her breasts completely exposed and directly in the sight path of Turtle’s eyes, she leaned forward to ask her question. “What do you mean items of comfort?”
“Oh yeah, with the all excitement about the wolf pup and everything I forgot to inform you that the rock bench like seat that you were resting on is a hidden treasure chest of sorts. It’s filled with provisions and extra clothing and…
Blair literally used Turtle’s head as a handrail to assist her rapid exit from the pool and galloped to the seat.
After a few minutes of Blair using her hands to inspect the seat top and understandings her own dogged determination, believed that she had the strength to move the weight of the seat growled under her breath as she instantly believed the test was a joke, she announced, “You’re screwing with me aren’t you?” she questioned not wanting to be the brunt of a joke, but then decided to dive into the task again and pushed with all her might in an attempt to expose the hidden treasure.
Blair’s facial expression was difficult for Turtle to see because of the shadowy light that flickered and changed in the cave however there was little doubt that Blair was not happy with the difficulty of the task, noticeable by the grunting sounds that filled the air.
“Miss Foster, I have given you proper information, you just need to keep trying or leave it for me and I will remove the lid for you.” Turtle responded as she submerged her relaxing body deeper into the water.
And with that condescending statement Blair was more than determined to succeed, proving to her guide that she was capable of completing any task set before her, so then after only the second attempt at pushing with all her might as she was able to push the flat topped stone just enough to reveal the reward, proving to her guide that she had been victorious as she released a warriors squeal that startled even the smallest creatures in the cave. However her bravado seemed to be short lived because as she peered into the very dark black stone box with a few cobwebs strands remaining in the corner’s, yet again not to be outdone by her very resourceful companion, she somewhat bravely but with some trepidation reached into the dark hole in search of her prize.
Then with careful extraction of the first item touched she pulled the unrecognizable item out into the air to discover she was holding onto a pair of old dusty blue jeans and then as she reached in for more goodies she pulled out a very old dusty sweatshirt. As she took them out to examine them she was less than pleased at the size and shape of the much needed clothing.
Not surprised at all at what was discovered Turtle informed her guest, “They were my fathers, and yes he was a big man. However keep looking there may be something of mine deep in the box.”
And with that extra information to continue her quest, she reached in for other items of clothing more to her taste, and as she moved other essential items around the inside of the box attempting to locate something less masculine, sadly this gift box was less exciting by the end of the search.
Noticing the expression of utter rejection Turtle announced, “Well I’m sure I can do something about the fit later.” She expressed as she stood to exit the pool.
“The rabbit smells cooked, just give me a minute and I will get the greens steaming,” She stated as she towelled off with the blanket, then without hesitation reached into the hidden treasure chest and pulls out another article of clothing, a large mans’ shirt, and with very natural movements she pushed one arm into a sleeve and then the other, semi exposing her naked form to her cave mate watching eyes and then begins to button the large shirt from the bottom up.
Blair was fully aware that she was unable to remove her eyes from the dressing scene and immediately began to feel rousing moisture. And then suddenly she felt the cool air on her exposed skin which indicated to her that clothing her naked body was compulsory. With the large sweatshirt in hand she reluctantly pushed her head threw the designed hole and allowed the item to fall as far down her body as its size allowed.
“What are you staring at?” She questioned with a very obvious sexual undertone, as she noticed that Turtle was staring at her in the same manner as she had just done.
“Nothing but confusion,” Turtle did not hesitate to honestly answer the question with her own undertone.
Then from the far side of the cave a low sounding whimper instantaneously caught both women’s attention, breaking their posture stance which immediately changed the charging air. Awkwardly both women rapidly removed themselves from their standing position, with Turtle turning her attention to the pups’ cries and Blair turned her attention to their dinner, not that she really needed to attend to anything as Turtle had everything well in hand.
Their dinner was tasteful and fulfilling, the conversation on the other hand was single word sentences and downwards starting.
“What I wouldn’t give for a glass of red wine.” Blair decided to break the silence. The air was awkward and she really hated awkward.
“I can’t do anything about that but…” Turtle really hesitated to continue.
“But what…”Blair’s voice was forceful and asking both at the same time.
“My dad loved to smoke marijuana. I grabbed some from the garden along with the greens.” Turtle offered Blair a silly smirk of acceptance.
“No effing way, I’m in. But I can’t smoke. I just really can’t.” Blair’s voice shifted into a little girl’s plea for another solution.
“That’s okay, we can have some tea. The leaves are too saturated anyways. We will never be able to dry them out enough to make them smoke-able.”
“You are really full of surprises.” Blair easily spoken words were filled with continued admiration.
“All part of the experience.” Turtle announced as if still advertising her business.
Blair’s voice rang through the cave as she swiftly stood to complete the task. “I’ll get the water boiling for the tea.”
“Great. I’ll check on the pup.” Turtle spoke softly as she gathered the bowl of food to make another attempt at feeding the pup on the hour.
“I’ve never had pot t
ea before. It’s surprisingly tasty, similar to green tea but offering a different result. Truthfully I thought it was going to taste gross like mushroom tea.” Blair declared as if Turtle had no knowledge of the simple earth growing hallucinogenic, one of which they had just consumed.
Blair’s statement startled Turtle to the point that she fixed her eyes on the woman across from her and stopped all moment including removing the cup from her lips, after she downed the remaining liquid from her cup.
“So what do we do now? I seem to have found a second wind and now want to do something.” Blair very much emphasized the word, something.
“If I may suggest the resting part of this journey to be as important as the nourishment part, we remain in an unstable situation, with no indication of rescue.” Turtle announced as she stood to toss another log in the fire. She had begun to feel a little uneasy with the direction of these innuendos, as she very much was feeling a shift in the dynamics of this alliance.
Suddenly and with precise movement Blair stood and approached the back side of Turtles’ body and moved her hand to slide across to embrace Turtles’ abdomen.
Startled by this direct physical contact Turtle rapidly manoeuvred her body to slide away from the blatant invitation. “Miss Foster it’s clear that the tea has begun to affect your clarity. I never intended to give you the wrong idea about our situation. I merely thought that the tea would help you to relax enough to be able to sleep in this unfamiliar place and to recover from the journey…
“It’s only pot, I know what I am doing. I want to thank you for saving my life, and this works for me. Don’t worry… I won’t blackmail you. We are both consenting adults. And I want this. Do you want me to stop?” Blair stopped her short sentence affirmation and added a few forward steps that closed the gap.
