The Senator's Choice

by Combs, Sasha

  “I hate this.” She said.

  “Morgan is angry but she can’t stay angry forever.” He said.

  “Can’t she?” Her reply, sent chills up and down his spine but he didn’t say a word because William knew that Pamela could be right. He couldn’t make light of this situation and he wouldn’t say meaningless words just for the sake of not wanting to leave a question unanswered.

  As the fire grew and they noticed that Frederick and Michael were still outdoors watching over Morgan, they talked because all day they had not had the opportunity to voice their concerns over the days events. Pamela held back, not wanting her father to see her tears, while William faked bravery to avoid showing everyone how afraid he actually had been.

  “Pamela, I don’t have every answer but I know that we cannot allow my daughter to divide us. As much as I want to shake her until she sees reason, I know that I can’t. She has to come to a place of accepting us as a couple on her own.”

  “William, the way I see this; Morgan isn’t that concerned about us being married. Her anger is directed at me. In her eyes, I am the instigator behind this fallout. Before I came into the picture, her little world was perfect. If her misconceptions are to be challenged, a confrontation with me is the only answer.”

  William didn’t think it would be that straightforward. On the other hand, he had been striking out with his daughter from the moment he arrived at Barn Wood Hudson. Not one of his explanations had been right and he still blamed himself for the turn of events.

  “I don’t think pretending that I’m not without blame is the answer either. Morgan is my daughter. She may be angry at you but it’s my job to get her to understand why we are together. I need to help her understand that.”

  “Okay...I’ll give you that much but it still isn’t right for you to handle this on your own. If you won’t allow me to talk to her alone, then when you do decide to talk to Morgan...I should be there with you.”

  William allowed her words to sink in. He worried over so many things, and currently he lacked a clear sense of direction. When the door to the cabin opened wide, William spotted Morgan walking in, followed by a tired looking Frederick. It wasn’t until then that William realized, he had not asked Frederick if the hike up the mountain was something he could tolerate. He knew about Michael’s physical stamina but he knew nothing about Frederick’s. William loved playing a variety of sports yet during his acquaintance with Frederick, playing golf is the only activity both men ever enjoyed. In spite of that, Frederick showed signs that would indicate he wasn’t a withering violet. As William got a better look at his campaign manager, on second glance he was sure he saw something else. Instead of looking tired as William had just assumed; instead, he was certain that Frederick looked annoyed. Now, that was a befitting expression considering the circumstances.

  With her hands balled into two tight fist, Morgan walked through the cabin, ignoring her father and Pamela. When she got to the ladder, she climbed it then pulled the ladder up in the loft with her. They all watched as the ladder disappeared, thereby making that area off limits. When Frederick cleared his throat, then leaned his head in the direction of the porch; it was then that William realized, his campaign manager wanted a private moment with him.

  Michael walked into the cabin, and Pamela urged her father to come into the kitchen area with her.

  “Dad...lets check the backpacks to see what we have left to salvage. Also, we need to get these lamps lit before it gets to dark in here. Miguel said that the cabins are routinely stocked with oil.”

  Michael was in awe watching his daughters take charge attitude. Given all the retelling of unsubstantiated stories detailing Pamela’s travels; Michael presumed more than likely this cabin mirrored one of her past explorations. Pam appeared to be at ease and comfortable in their current surroundings. She turned around once, watching William leave the cabin. Then her eyes drifted to the loft, where Morgan had secluded herself from the others. Pamela began thinking of ways to bridge the rift between her and Morgan using tactics she knew William would not approve of. But for now, she would focus on other things, like preparing the cabin for their overnight stay. That was something she did have control over.

  With the cabin to the rear of them, William lifted his head skyward, while taking a deep cleansing breath. The canopy created by the dense forest had already begun shielding out the remaining daylight. Soon, the area would be covered in darkness. They would need to gather more wood, if they intended on keeping the fireplaces and the iron stove lit.

  Frederick followed William as the two men began gathering sticks and branches. He talked while trying to choose wood samplings that were the same as William’s choices. Breaking the larger sticks to make carrying them less cumbersome; William lifted his head, seeing a cardinal perched high in a large tree. The sound of birds chirping in the distance flooded his ears, making listening to Frederick a chore. The cries created by these wonders of the sky was so delightful, it was almost a shame not to marvel over their sound and its meaning. But how could he pay homage to these creatures of nature with hell camped out at his doorstep. Sure, they had found Morgan but so much remained unsettled and the war still raged on.

  “I’m sure that you’re relieved to find Morgan alive and well.”

  “That’s an understatement but my problems are a long way from being solved.”

  “Yes,...” Frederick said and William waited because he knew that his manager intended to say much more.

  “I know that I gave you a timetable of about a week to make peace in your family but after today I’m not so sure if one week will be enough time.”

  “Then I suggest we not put a timetable on this. When Morgan comes around, you’ll be the first to know.”

  When William stood, his arms were burdened with a large load of sticks and branches varying in sizes. Frederick was carrying half the same amount and when he frowned it wasn’t because William had outdone him in the collecting of wood.

  “I don’t think that would be wise, because the polls that I cited are based on a one week deadline. With all that you’re dealing with and all that you’ve already been through; I hate having to place more pressure on you but William, you need to resolved this problem in under a week. You need to have another ceremony or a fake one, where picture can be taken. We need to play this event as if your family was onboard with your news because they each played active roles. Even if it isn’t true...we have to have pictures that tell another story. And please...don’t start talking about lies and telling the truth. Listen to my phrasing. The pictures need to tell the story...not you or anyone else in your camp. If people see pictures of you and your family smiling, and holding hands, then they will conclude that your family is happy for you and happy about this marriage.”

  “My parents are happy for me and they are willing to do whatever it takes to prove that.”

  “Can you say the same about Morgan? I know that you were inside of the cabin talking to her while we gave you your privacy. Did you make headway that I need to know about? Because based on her behavior... The ladder and all... It doesn’t look like she’s accepting of Pamela, the baby or this marriage.”

  It was times like this, that William hated Frederick’s ability to be brutally honest but he was right. William was beginning to think, the only answer would be to withdraw from the senate race. He didn’t know how swiftly he could resolve his problems because Morgan wasn’t a pliable piece of clay. He couldn’t mold her into submission and he certainly couldn’t force her to like Pamela.

  “Frederick, can we table this discussion for the night. We’re all mentally and physically exhausted. We have a long day ahead of us in the morning, hiking back down the mountain to Barn Wood Hudson.”

  Frederick nodded, he wasn’t tired anymore but he agreed that they did have a long day ahead of them in the morning. A full day of hiking without Greta’s tasty sandwiches. He shifted the topic to another subject. “I noticed that the cabin only sleeps two.”<
br />
  William laughed.

  “We all have sleeping bags in our backpacks but yes...you’re right. Since Morgan has taken the loft, I think Pamela should sleep in the other bed while the rest of us bunk down in the main room of the cabin.”

  “William...Pamela is your wife now. You need to be with her. I feel comfortable when I say this. You won’t gain any brownie points with Michael by sleeping on the floor with the boys. For now, Michael may not be your biggest problem, but you do need to remember that he’s watching you and you need to show him that you’re madly in love with his daughter.”

  “I don’t have to put on a show for Michael because I am in love with Pamela.”

  “Well, good then. You also need to remember that Morgan isn’t the only person in this drama being hurt. You have Pam to think of too.”

  This was the side of Frederick that William preferred. Until three days ago, Fred had not even known about Pamela and once he did learn about their relationship, at the time, he had very little to say on a personal note. His concerns dealt with William’s public image and salvaging his political career, if they feared all would fall apart. Frederick’s ability to single out his primary goal, then tackle the problem at the root; for him this was a distinct advantage in politics, and a characteristic to be admired. In some circles, he was known as Bull Dog Reaves. Yet, on those unforeseen occasions when a delicate matter called for heedful caution; without warning, he could be the most enlightened and sensitive person anyone could or would ever come to know.

  William had fallen silent, while Frederick walked by his side, retracing their footsteps back to the cabin. They had gathered enough wood to keep the fires going throughout the night. This thought gave Frederick reason to make a final comment.

  “William, if you’re worried about Morgan...don’t. With me and Michael bunking down for the night in the main room of the cabin; I don’t think Morgan will attempt slipping by us. This little stunt that she managed to pull off proves that she is a daredevil but she isn’t a fool. You can sleep restfully knowing that there’s only one way in and one way out of the cabin. As long as she sleeps up in the loft, Morgan will be safe and on lock down.”

  William nodded politely but he wasn’t quite ready to wholly trust Frederick’s logic. He didn’t doubt Morgan’s ability to attempt outsmarting them again but for now, William would let his campaign manager believe that his mindset was the same as his.

  Once everyone had settled down for the night, William checked the fireplaces then he stirred the dying embers in the stoves oven, attempting to snuff out the blaze. He maneuvered vent levers to test the ventilation, wherever a duct or flue was constructed to channel the release of gases. His inspections didn’t turn up any overt dangers that might lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, so the only other task left to be completed was to bolt the door from inside. Pamela and William had given Fred and Michael their sleeping bags to serve as added padding on the floor. The men both commented that they were very comfortable and the extra sleeping bags made all the difference in the world. William didn’t know if there was any truth in their words, but when he left them, they were quietly talking while resting on their padded beds on the floor. By the look of them, they did indeed appear to be comfortable.

  With his back to them now, William walked into the bedroom off from the kitchen. Pamela had already undressed, and she was beneath a set of sheets she found wrapped in plastic on a shelf in the storage closet. William checked the fireplace in their room, before slipping out of his clothes to join her in the bed. After they had been there for a few hours, it was obvious to them that the cabin had not been recently used. Morgan had unpacked the items normally stored in the loft but other than that, the cabin appeared to be untouched. It was the job of the caretaker, to frequently visit all the cabins; making repairs and readying them before William and his guest would arrive, whenever they vacationed here. The place had been stocked with fresh linens, canned goods and the few chopped logs that they’d found by the stove in the kitchen. William was happy that the bed’s mattress had been beaten and turned as a regular chore for the cabins maintenance. When they came to Barn Wood Hudson, he had not intended to bring Pamela here but since they had come, he wanted their stay to be a pleasant one and he wanted Pamela to feel comfortable in the bed.

  Pamela’s soft voice could be heard across the room, while he stoked the fires embers, making the flames roar to life.

  “Did you check on Morgan?”

  The warmth from the fire felt inviting, causing him to believe the room would be well heated until daybreak.

  William stood, and began easing out of his shirt. She watched his hands as he slowly peeled off his clothing. Her eyes flashed with recognition when shows of his flesh would emerge, then finally she could see what had once lay hidden underneath his covering.

  William was completely oblivious to what she was doing. This was Pamela’s secret, she adored his body and she equally cherished moments like this. Something so simple, but she did enjoy watching him disrobe.

  “If by checking you mean...Morgan has quarantined herself away from the rest of us... Then yes, I checked. The ladder is up in the loft with her. The cabin is locked and Frederick and Michael are each sleeping with one eye open and one eye closed.”

  Pam exhaled deeply, she anguished over their dilemma. In spite of that, she was done feeling sorry for herself...and for William. The time had come for them to take charge of this situation because she didn’t like the feeling of helplessness.

  “William, I’ve been thinking.”

  William pulled down his briefs, then climbed into the bed completely naked. The light from the fireplace shone like shadows, dancing off the muscles on his skin. Pamela always loved seeing his body this way. Totally uncovered and bare for her to freely touch. Once he lie next to her, William turned onto his side to face her. His arm bent at his elbow in a position that was perfect for perching his head on his closed fist. His eyes looked weary, worn out due to their hurried travels. Yet his blue gaze wasn’t to tired to trace the lines of her face. As he stared at her intently, William’s eyelids dropped like two slowly lowering curtain's. He dearly yearned for her and the feeling of urgency dipped down low in the pit of his gut. His eyes traveled the length of her neck, then down to her shoulders, teetering near ecstasy. His appetite grew when he touched her. His fingers played at the nape of her neck, drumming a beat to a song from his memory. Pamela’s heart was racing and the rush of emotion came close to matching his. Her head fell back, braced only by the goose filled pillow lying beneath her.

  “I never expect it to be like this.” He said, in a voice filled with longing.

  “Like what?” she said, equally drunk with passion.

  “I know that I shouldn’t want you...at least not now. My daughter is brooding up in the loft. My campaign manager is holding a deadline over my head...that I don’t think I can meet. And..then there’s Michael...”

  Pamela heard pain in his voice at the mentioning of her fathers name. She knew that the two men had not completely resolved their differences and she was still holding on to the promise of a hopeful possibility. She believed her dream should lessen William’s anguish. Perhaps the reminder would completely renew him.

  “We aren’t doing anything wrong William. We’re married now. This isn’t like it once was. We aren’t sneaking around trying to hide our relationship from the people that we love most.”

  “I know... But...” William’s need to have her was outside of his control. Yet, control was something he knew needed to be practiced. At least that’s what he told himself because trouble still loomed. Even though his body told him something quite to the contrary.

  Pamela had chosen to wear one of his white tee-shirts. She sat up for the few seconds that it took, to ease the shirt over her head. When she lay back down on the bed, she took his hand and lay it on the mound of her breast. The warmth found in his touch immediately sent her nipples into sharp tender peeks. The tingling sensatio
n was enough to cause her lips to part, while her tongue darted out to moisten her drying lips. By now, the heat of the fire had warmed the room. For months, they had sworn their relationship to silence but no more. William wanted to make love to his wife. He pushed thoughts of the other people in the cabin out of his mind. Right now, in this moment, it was just him and Pamela. This room would be theirs to do as they pleased.

  William lifted up to straddle her while changing his position. Once he was staring at her while braced hovering overhead; struck by her beauty, he lowered his body to cover hers. With the tenderest of passion, their lips met in a hungry kiss, followed by moans filled with meaningful possibilities.

  Pamela lifted her arms up, then over her head; she tried to remember where they were and that they were not alone in the cabin. She bit the fullness of her lower lip attempting to curb the sensation but a form of mania was beginning to take hold.

  It was an agony for them both, not to be able to freely express themselves. All the while, a towering frenzy would not be tempered. Pamela lifted her knees, bending her legs on either side. This new position allowed William to ease his hips into a delivering position. His sex throbbed at the center of her core, agonizing to be inside of her.

  When he lifted up to kiss her, at the same time, his length slowly nudged at her folds; pushing her lips gently aside. The head of his shaft was embraced by her warm secretions, and milked while being held by her tightness. Even though her cries could barely be heard in their bedroom, her feelings weren’t diminished. For her this meant the flailing of arms, swinging wildly until William took hold, binding them with his hands however he could immobilize her. His touch grounded her passion; guiding her to an easy mellow place.

  Even as his hips rocked, pushing him deeper with each of his thrust; she could hardly fathom the tenderness held in each of his heartfelt kisses. Not once did he close his eyes and she was glad for this. His blue gaze cradled her soul. Every part of her body had been seized by their lovemaking. Even when she believed herself capable of not losing control, William would do something that would kick the steady platform from underneath her. The windup was unlike anything she’d ever experienced in the past and she wondered what the crux would be like. Pamela questioned if their orgasm could be silenced.