Down By The Seaside

In the middle of a deep sleep, Greta was awakened by the sound of a close lightning strike. She looked towards the window where Valia stood with the drapes pulled wide open, watching the passing thunderstorm. “You’re not afraid of lightning are you?” she asked.

“Oh no, quite the contrary,” Valia replied. “I find it fascinating.”

Greta slid out of bed and walked to the window. She paused at her phone charging on the dresser and saw that she had missed a few calls and text messages while she was sleeping.

“Hi teach,” she said, the weather lighting up the room in a dazzling flickering light show as she wrapped her arms around Valia and kissed her. “I can’t tell you how many times in my short life I have wound up without clothes on during a thunderstorm,” she giggled, “but never like this.”

“You’re phone has been attempting to communicate with you while you slept,” Valia said.

Greta pushed a large chair in front of the window, and pulled Valia down onto it. “No reason we shouldn’t get comfy for the show,” she smiled. “You know, I remember studying lighting in high school.” “To this day, there is no definitive explanation for it, just theories.”

Valia crossed her leg over Greta’s and giggled. “Would you like to know how lightning of this type is formed in fact?” she asked.

“Some things are best kept a continuing mystery for now,” Greta replied as she flipped open her phone to check her messages. “Besides, one of our new infant breed of humans just may figure it out,” she smiled.

“They will,” Valia replied.

The first she listened to was from Marlene. “Greta, I transferred a little more into your account so you do not get caught short of funds, Have a fun trip, Love you.”

“Love you mommy,” she said kissing her phone. She saved it, as she often saved messages from special people in her life.

The next was from Abigail, “I don’t know how I will ever be able to thank you for getting me up to Chicago where I met Mya, but I will find a way. Hope you are having a great trip, Love you, Bye.”

Greta then went on to answer a few text messages from friends who had decided to head east for the weekend. “Hmm, no messages from Rose,” she said. “Now that is a first, a day without a message for the first time since I met her.”

Back in Carbondale, Rose was wrapped in a new nude beginning with Emily, a girl from one of her past psych classes who had a major crush on her.

‘Rose has found another pair of arms to hold her,” Valia said.

“Really, and how do you know this, the birds?” Greta asked.

Valia just smiled and took her by the hand back to bed. The passing light show from the storm was dissipating, but the room still filled with flickering light as they experimented with new methods of carnal bliss.

After the storm and their passion waned, Greta turned on the television for Valia, then turned on the Macbook she brought with to get the weather forecast for the area. “Weather is going to clear up,” she said, “gonna be in the mid 80’s.” She then started looking for a suitable beach to visit that would not be overly crowded at the nearby Jersey Shore. “Hmm, this one sounds inviting, Loveladies Beach.”

Valia giggled.

Greta Google mapped driving directions. “It is only little over an hours drive, want to see the sun rise with me?”

“Yes.”

Greta did not have a printer, so she asked Valia to use her photographic memory to remember driving directions. “Let’s do it.”

In short order, Greta was washed and dressed for the beach. “Valia am I going to need a sunscreen if I am wearing you?” she asked.

“No.”

“Will we make footprints in the sand when I am wearing you?”

“Not unless we want to.”

Greta marveled briefly at how that could even be possible. She put a few items she thought might be needed in a bag, kissed Valia and removed her to the carrier between her thighs. She was out the door, and in minutes was being directed by Valia to the Jersey Shore.

She did not think that she would find a Starbucks open at three a.m., so Greta took a complimentary coffee and pastry offered by the hotel for the ride.

“I like the way cities look at night,” Greta said.

You must merge onto the Ben Franklin Bridge, Valia said, and continue following US 30-East.

“Greta drove on, once again the route being flawlessly choreographed by Valia. “You know, not only are many of the beaches where we are going private, the ones that aren’t do not open til 10 a.m. and you have to pay, if you can be seen that is,” Greta said.

Exit onto Route 72-East, Valia replied. One of the major problems with your planet is money.

“You can say that again,” Greta said.

One of the major, Valia started to repeat before she was cut short by Greta giggling.

“It is one of those silly expressions passed down to us from generation to generation that we use without thinking at times,” Greta explained.

They parked on Long Beach Boulevard with the top up on the car. There was absolutely no one around when, after slipping Valia around her neck and Greta was about to open the car door, she was stopped by Valia pointing up to one of many surveillance cameras that were part of the Coastal Monitoring Service.

Valia told her to wrap her arms around her, and picture being on the strip of beach she pointed to. Once again the tingling sensation of warm air flowing over them, and when she opened her eyes, they were standing on the beach. It was still dark, just a hint of pale color on the horizon.

“Can you tell me what twinkle you came from,” Greta asked looking up at the star filled sky.

“Not from this side of your world,” Valia replied.

“That is Venus seducing us,” Greta smiled. “The name is Roman, she is one of their goddesses associated with love and beauty and fertility.”

“Every culture at some point shares a belief in something larger than life, something in control,” Valia replied.

“Your presence here with me is proof of that,” Greta said before kissing her softly.

There was now a visible shade of pale orange on the horizon as the surf rolled in gently. Obviously the storms that passed through Philadelphia were not heading in this direction.

“How do you avoid running into them, there’s so many,” Greta asked looking up at the sky overhead that was still full of stars.

Valia was clearly amused. “Once you are in space and traveling, they are all a great distance from each other,” she replied. “From here they look close together but they are not. Some of the twinkles as you put it, are not stars at all, but galaxies containing millions, even billions of stars. Some of them no longer exist and what you are seeing is the light they emitted billions of years ago.”

“Oh look,” Greta said pointing east. The bright glowing top of the sun peeked up over the horizon. It continued to climb revealing some whispy clouds going by, now showing the same color as the sunrise itself. Above them, the sky was now a pale blue slowly getting brighter as the stars seemed to disappear.

“Like us, they’re really there, but cannot be seen,” Greta said.

When the day finally broke, they made love on the beach. Behind them the residents began to stir to start their day. The usual life one sees while at the beach was present. Valia taught her how to refine communicating with the seagull hanging out next to them. She got good enough in short order, to find out what was happening on the coasts of France and yes, even the beach in Chicago where she found out it was certain to rain.

“Can you swim?” Greta asked. “I learned how to swim in high school and I am a pretty good swimmer.”

“I can propel myself through water, yes,” Valia replied.

“The sun is warming things up pretty quickly, would you like to take a dip?”

“If it pleases you.”

They walked into the gently rolling surf hand in hand. The water was a bit cool but refreshing. Greta started out floating and doing the breaststroke to move through the water. She noticed Valia right next to her the entire time, but it did not look like she was exerting herself at all. “Show off,” Greta laughed.

“Let me show off then,” Valia giggled. She wrapped her arms around Greta from behind and told her not to be frightened. Greta felt warmer in the cool ocean water when she did. Valia had surrounded them in an invisible force field before they effortlessly started moving first through the water, then under it.

“My first dive, how romantic,” Greta smiled, “but how can I breathe, did you just give me gills?”

Valia smiled as she treated Greta to an underwater tour. The ease and speed at which they moved astonished her. From being propelled through the water at speeds faster than a speedboat, then being able to stop on a dime to say hello to a lobster or starfish, Greta marveled at all that she saw.

“Whatever you do, I don’t think I want to know how to communicate with lobsters,” Greta said. “I could not live with the anguish of what they must be screaming when lobster lovers boil them alive.”

“The horror,” Greta heard from a host of lobster voices in her head.

Valia took her past a shipwreck and found out from a Great White Shark that her community would still love to have Stephen Spielberg for a meal because of all the slaughter and bad press they still receive to this day from his movie Jaws.

Greta could not tell where they had been, or how far they traveled in the time spent underwater, and when they finally surfaced she could see that they were right back where they watched the sunrise on the beach, but they were no longer alone. There was a group of lifeguards for that strip of the beach having a meeting.

“Wow, almost ten a.m.,” Greta marveled. “You know time sure flies when you’re having fun, but I have a feeling this place is going to get very crowded very quickly as hot as it is supposed to get today.”

“It would be advisable to leave,” Valia said.

“Do we have to walk?” Greta asked.

Valia shook her head and laughed. She wrapped her arms around Greta and in an instant, Greta felt her hot car seat against the back of her leg and shrieked. She opened her eyes to see Valia laughing.

“So, you do have a sense of humor,” she laughed. “Do you know how to get us to Atlantic City?” Greta asked.

Valia nodded, yes.

“Make it so,” Greta smiled before slumping in her seat unconscious.

“Valia,” came a familiar sounding voice from the back seat, “I have come for you.”

“Gyba,” Valia replied as she materialized in the back seat. “It is good to see and hear you my dear friend.”

“It would have been easier for us if you had remained at the crash site,” Gyba said. The retriever device she wore made it possible for her to see Valia.

“Gyba, I cannot return with you, not yet,” Valia said.

“Valia, you are fortunate that we were near enough to this sector of space to get to you this soon,” Gyba said. “If we leave without you, it will be a long time before someone can return to retrieve you.”

“I am aware of that,” Valia replied turning her loving gaze to Greta, “but I cannot leave now.”

Gyba took a close look at Greta, “She is an infant,” Gyba said, “but I know that look on your face all too well.”

“Gyba, you could retrieve me, and I would be powerless in this form to stop you, but I ask you to return with a message from me instead,” Valia smiled.

“I know you all to well,” Gyba said slowly nodding her head, “she must be worth it.” She handed Valia a device that would record her message in her current state visually. When she was finished she returned it to Gyba. “Does she know what she will become?” Gyba asked.

“Thank you my dear friend,” Valia said softly.

“We will return, when the time is right for you,” Gyba said giving her a hug before disappearing.

“Ok, let me see, I put the key in here,” Greta laughed, “and I turn it like this, then I move this to put it in gear, then I step on the gas and we start moving, but which way do I go?”

Valia let out a hearty laugh.

I understand, Gyba communicated to Valia in a way that Greta could not detect. Goodbye my dear friend.

Maruk posh va, Valia replied.

“Where is it you wanted to go again?” Valia asked.

“To your planet actually, can we leave now?” Greta replied.

“Continue down this road until I tell you to turn right,” Valia smiled.

Greta removed Valia and returned her to the pouch on her thigh.

“This one is from a time when I was just a glimmer in my pappy’s eye,” Greta giggled. “Under the Boardwalk, down by the sea, On a blanket with my baby, is where I’ll be.”

Turn right here at 72-West, Valia said.

“Under the Boardwalk, Out of the sun, Under the Boardwalk, We’ll be having some fun, Under the Boardwalk, People walking above, Under the Boardwalk, We’ll be falling in love under the Boardwalk, Boardwalk,” Greta continued to sing.

She parked the car on Pennsylvania Avenue. It was a short stroll to the Boardwalk where she hoped to find a Starbucks.

“I pray all the decadence, greed and sadness emanating from these casinos does not ruin your day,” Greta said. “Ah, there it is,” she smiled pointing to the Starbucks.

She strolled down the Boardwalk, taking in the glittering sites. “This place is like a moving, interactive museum exhibit,” she said.

May we go inside? Valia asked.

“Really?” Greta asked. “Sure, but remember I warned you.”

They walked into The Resorts Casino. Perhaps you would like to take in a show with tall, gorgeous showgirls, she thought.

That would only make me want to be alone with you, Valia replied.

Greta played a few slot machines, winning at each one she played. Am I just lucky, or, ahem? she asked.

Valia giggled.

Just let me know when you have seen enough, Greta said. I feel myself being sucked into the addiction of gambling even as I speak.

They walked out of the casino and back to the Boardwalk. It had cooled slightly, and the wind was picking up. Looking back over the casino towards the west she saw dark gray clouds approaching. “It’s going to pour,” she said. Greta made her way onto the beach and slipped unnoticed under the Boardwalk where she placed Valia around her neck. She was standing above Greta with her arm out.

“Come, it will be ok,” she smiled.

They walked hand in hand to an empty place on the beach. Greta wrapped her arms around Valia after sitting down. She watched the raindrops begin landing on the sand, darkening it where they landed. She could not feel the raindrops on her body. They gazed out over the ocean as the passing storm took full shape. She could smell the rain, feel the wind that was whipping the downpour around, but she remained dry. When it passed the sun above them returned. Out over the ocean the sky was black, an occasional lighting strike visible before a massive rainbow appeared.

“Make a wish,” Greta said.

“A gorgeous phenomenon,” Valia smiled.

“I’ve always loved rainbows,” Greta said.

Greta stood up and noticed that the ground under them was wet when Valia followed her. “Shouldn’t that be a dry spot,” she smiled.

Slipping back under the boardwalk Greta returned Valia between her thighs and made her way back to the Starbucks. “One for the road,” she said.

When they arrived back at the car Greta asked Valia if she wanted to drive. Make a left at the corner, she laughed. Greta turned on the c.d. player and started singing along to the Neko Case song playing. “Driving home I see those flooded fields, How can people not know what beauty that is, I’ve taken it for granted my whole life, Since the day I was born, Ooh Ooooh.”

The drive back to Philadelphia was just a fun ride. For part of the trip, Valia positioned herself on Greta’s lap and drove. At one point when passing a family in a mini-van, Greta rested her head against the back of her seat and appeared to be sleeping at the wheel shocking them into blowing their horn to try and wake her up.

“It is too late to take any extensive tours, but I would like to walk through the neighborhood past a few historic sites,” Greta said arriving back in the Philadelphia city limits.

She parked the car in the hotel lot and once inside the building, entered the stairwell that was empty and placed Valia around her neck. Valia kissed her deeply.

“Get us out of here,” Greta smiled.

Once again they wrapped their arms around each other and in an instant, were in the park across from the hotel. As they strolled to and finally through the historic district of Philadelphia, they passed the house that Betsy Ross lived in. “Such a quaint dwelling,” Greta said, “just the right size for us.” “You know, I am surprised that any memorial to a woman remains from that era,” Greta continued. “Everything is Founding Fathers this, or Founding Fathers that, yet they all had strong women behind them.”

“That’s very true,” said a short bald elderly man with long hair.

“You can see us?” Greta asked.

“And you can see me which is a rarity for me and a delight,” the gentleman replied, “I am Benjamin Franklin.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Greta smiled. “Well, then you know what I mean, since you had an endless parade of strong women in your life.”

“If we had it to do again, that would be changed along with so much else,” Franklin replied. “We would have ended slavery immediately, the natives of this land that were here before us would have been embraced and included in our plans rather than be slaughtered, so much would have been done differently.”

“Well for what it is worth, you didn’t get it perfect, but you did one hell of a job that’s for sure,” Greta replied. “I do have one question for you though,” Greta continued. “What would you recommend be done about today’s problems and about that greedy bastard in the White House?”

A voice to the left of them started speaking as the distinguished male figure appeared. “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the Right of the People to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

“My dear Mr. Jefferson, you look much better in person that your paintings,” Greta said. “You know that has always been my favorite line in the Declaration, if only it were that easy.”

“Miss Garbova,” a third voice began. It was George Washington who continued to speak. “You have an incredible gift at your disposal, the most powerful weapon this or any other country has had since the dawn of our existence, the power to command change that cannot be resisted.”

“Your saying I should use the power I have through this beautiful being from another world to force that change?” Greta asked.

“If that power would have been at my disposal, there never would have been another war on this planet,” Washington said.

“And you?” Greta asked of Jefferson and Franklin.

“We would authorize using that power in the blink of an eye,” they agreed.

“You have the power to heal a nation, indeed to heal a planet Miss Garbova, you simply need to start the revolution,” Washington said.

“Start that revolution from the top, and from within,” Franklin said.

“It could be fun,” Greta laughed.

Valia laughed, and the three Founding Fathers standing before them joined in that laughter before they vanished into thin air.

“I thought only I could see you?” Greta grinned.

“So did I,” Valia replied, looking for the first time a bit surprised.

“I’m getting hungry, and today it is going to be pizza,” Greta said. “Can you get us home quickly?”

Valia wrapped her arms around Greta and instantly they were back in the stairwell of their hotel.

Greta ordered a pizza to be delivered to the room. She insisted on Valia finally trying a bite. “Huh, huh?” Greta asked with a wide-eyed grin on her face.

“It’s good,” Valia laughed.

It had been a pretty full day for Greta, so she planned on an evening alone with Valia undisturbed. She filled the bathtub and took a long hot soak with her. They explored each other like two schoolgirls full of impish delight, convinced there was no limit to the erotic possibilities with each other.

Finished bathing, completely naked they wandered through the hotel corridors and down the stairway, pausing to make out as if it were the first time they had their arms around each other. They made their way to the outdoor pool where the setting sun glowed through them as they again made love.

“We leave for New York in the morning,” Greta said, feeling exhausted. Valia moved them to the room where Greta locked the door, turned out all but one dim nightlight and settled into a deep sleep holding Valia in her arms.

Chapter 13

WoManhattan

Greta wanted breakfast sent up to the room. She checked the numerous text and voice messages on her phone. Her email was loaded with messages from friends wondering where to meet in D.C. She had no clue. “Follow the throngs,” she replied, “and call me when you get there.” She had an email, text, and voice message from Sissy who was playing in New York later that night. “We are staying at the Chelsea Hotel, I reserved you a room at our discounted rate, Just check in as a member of the Female Cramps entourage, Hope you can still make it, Love Sissy.”

“Oh my, the Chelsea Hotel,” Greta said. “I wonder if they have parking?” she giggled. She confirmed her stay at the hotel to Sissy, and her attendance at her show, barring any unforeseen complications that might delay her.

Greta copied down the address to the Chelsea, and joined Valia on the bed, placing the Macbook on her lap. “This thing called the Internet which you can connect to with a computer, has been the most resourceful tool for bringing the planet together,” Greta said. “I can’t wait for the Universe Wide Web, but the World Wide Web is ok for now.”

Valia was able to navigate through the Web by willing it, and with lightning speed. “I wish I could do that,” Greta said.

“You can by now,” Valia replied.

“By now?” Greta asked.

“You’ve had enough time,” Valia replied. “Greta, the longer you are with me, the more you wear me, the more you love me, the more you become like me.”

“Am I dying?”

“No,” Valia smiled. “The real me, before the accident that brought our two worlds together.”

Greta turned to the Macbook and willed it to go to her favorite site to visit, updated daily, beautiful female models photographed with extremely good taste and photography. In an instant she was taken to the site. “Are you sure you did not just do that?” Greta laughed.

“Something else has changed on you overnight,” Valia replied, “stand up.” Greta did as she was asked, and was now standing eye to eye with Valia.

“Wow, is this for real?” she asked. “How tall are we now?”

“By your standards of measure, 193.04 centimeters, or 76 inches or 1.9304 meters, or 6.333 333 333 feet.”

“If only it were permanent, I have always wanted to be tall.” Greta laughed.

“It is permanent, you will remain this height whether you are wearing me or not,” Valia replied. “I am sorry, I should have told you.”

“Well, it looks like I will have a little bit of explaining to do to a gazillion friends and family members,” she giggled nervously. “I could tell them I’ve been on steroids.”

“Greta, something else has taken root inside you in the time we have been together,” Valia continued. “Your mind has evolved into the equivalent of mine, complete with all the powers our minds have over yours, and a power you can now tap into without wearing me.”

“Will my mind remain my own?” Greta asked.

“Your beautiful mind will always be your own,” Valia smiled, “just better.”

Greta removed Valia wanting to test what she had just told her. She willed Jamina to call her and in moments her phone was ringing. “I will be checking out today darling and heading up to New York to see Sissy perform,” she said.

“That is fabulous, wish I could zip up to the Big Apple with you, but my Trans Fans need me,” Jamina laughed.

Wish me a safe trip, Greta suggested.

“Have a safe and happy trip,” Jamina said.

Tell me Rose is not the right girl for me, that you’ve never liked her, and do not remember that you said that, she thought.

“Greta, Rose is not the right girl for you,” Jamina replied. “I have never liked her.”

“Jamina, I love you my dear friend,” Greta said. “See you soon, and thank you.”

“Smooches darling, give my regards to Broadway,” Jamina replied and hung up.

Greta picked up a long tank top and walked over to the full-length mirror near the bathroom door. She put the top on and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The bottom of the shirt used to rest below her pubic bone, but it now rested midway between her pubic bone and her navel. She walked into the bathroom and noticed that the sink looked lower indeed. “I am going to need a new wardrobe,” she laughed.

She walked back to the bed and placed Valia around her neck. She was sitting in a chair watching her. “Am I becoming your twin?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“How much longer do I have before Greta no longer exists physically?” she asked with a huge smile.

“Before we leave this hotel,” Valia replied.

“You said we for the first time that I can remember since meeting you,” Greta said.

“When your change is complete, you will be able to see and do all that you needed to wear me around your neck for, the only difference is that I will not need to be worn by you to do so,” Valia replied. “We will be identical twins inside and out, with your mind remaining your own.”

“Sweet dreams are made of,” Greta’s phone rang. It was Rose. “Hello,” she answered, her voice sounding deeper.

“Greta, please let me get this out before you say anything,” Rose said. “This is not easy for me to say, but I’ve met someone and.”

“So have I,” Greta replied abruptly before hanging up and willing the phone turned off. She turned to look in the round mirror mounted over the dresser that her things were in. The reflection staring back at her was Valia’s. She removed Valia from around her neck, tossed her on the bed, and the image remained the same. She marveled in silence at her new body, identical to Valia’s in every detail, running her hands slowly over it, turning to see the exact sexy pattern she thought was a tattoo the first time she saw it, running from the base of her neck down along her shoulders and along her spine dissipating just before reaching her buttocks. As she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her twin appeared next to her.

“We are one,” Valia said.

“I love you so much,” Greta replied, her voice now much deeper and identical to Valia’s.

“And I you.”

“I think it’s time for our first eye to eye shower sis,” Greta impishly grinned.

“Yes,” Valia replied.

In the shower Greta discovered the utter bliss of her new overly sensitive genitals that were now an identical match to Valia’s. She now knew how to bring Valia to a point of ejaculation as she collapsed in Greta’s arms on the bathtub surface shaking with orgasmic delight.

“I like my hair this color and length,” Greta said looking in the mirror, her hair now glowing brightly, blonde but striped with patches of the underlying layer of dark brown color identical to that of Valia. “My face is so perfect I don’t need any makeup,” she marveled looking closely at her reflection in the brightly lit mirror above the bathroom sink. “Well, maybe a touch of lipstick wouldn’t hurt. My eyebrows are perfect and I like them this dark,” Greta said running her fingers along them. “Does this mean I am not going to have to tweeze them?”

Valia laughed and walked back to the bed memorizing the directions needed to take them to New York, as well as all the streets in Manhattan. Greta walked into the room, pursing her bright red lips as she crawled onto the bed.

“You will still need me,” Valia said pointing to the necklace Greta left on the pillow. “Without it you can be seen, and you must not let its power fall into the wrong hands.”

“I am going to have to get used to not needing it to see you and be with you,” Greta smiled. “Have you plotted our course for today?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s go see what all the hype is about the Chelsea Hotel and Sissy’s band,” Greta said and began packing. She took the Valia necklace and placed it back in its pouch and the passport carrier, and handed it to Valia. “Here, you slide it on,” she grinned. Valia slid the carrier as high up Greta’s thigh as it could go. “It’s not as snug with these thinner thighs of yours my dear.”

“No, thinner thighs of yours,” Valia replied. “There is no reversing that at this point my beautiful twin.”

Greta slid into her cut off jeans that fit looser in the waist and snugger in the hips. It was going to be hot day outside, so she slipped on a white tank top without a bra. “Well I am still a 38B,” she exclaimed, “but I may have to add a cup size for these new nipples to die for,” which were perfectly delineated in her top. Her sandals no longer fit, and with the size of her new feet, she knew that on her world it was going to be tough to find a grand selection of women’s shoes. “Well see if we can’t change that in the fashion world won’t we?” she laughed. “Are you ready Number One?” she asked.

“Yes.”

Greta willed her phone turned on and flew though the messages, completely bypassing those from Rose. It was as if she was a stranger now, and she could not stop thinking about how lucky she was that she and Valia found each other.

“She never would have gotten past her first encounter with me,” Valia said.

“I know,” Greta replied.

She tossed her room key on the front counter and settled her bill. “Tell me, where is the closest shoe store, nothing fancy,” she asked.

“That would be Bare Feet Shoes on Market St.” the young woman replied. “Thank you for choosing Best Western.”

Greta threw her things in the trunk of her car. She found the shoe store easily, and purchased a pair of Converse hi tops and a pair of men’s sandals that looked quite feminine, correct in her assumption that for now at least, she would have a hard time finding women’s shoes. Paying for her purchase, she noticed that the image on her driver’s license now matched her new face. Did you do that? she thought.

“Yes,” Valia giggled.

“I could not help but notice how many people have been staring at me and giving me a double take,” Greta said.

“They are not used to seeing a woman as tall and beautiful as you,” Valia replied. “Women as tall as your are far and few between for now.”

Greta threw her purchase in the trunk and drove off. “To the nearest Starbucks,” she said.

“Make a right at the corner and up three blocks,” Valia laughed.

Her latte in hand, Greta followed Valia’s direction and headed for New York. When she stopped for gas she had a host of truck drivers staring at her. “This isn’t going to stop is it?” she snickered.

“Probably not.” Valia replied.

Her sandals still felt too new, so she drove barefoot. She thought it fabulous that she could now see her twin while driving. “I’ve got to remember to think it rather than say it most of the time, or people are likely to think I am wacky,” she laughed. Greta turned on the radio and started singing along to a Madonna tune, “Haven’t we met, You’re some kind of a beautiful stranger, You could be good for me, I’ve had the taste for danger.”

“Follow the ramp onto New Jersey Turnpike North,” Valia said

Greta reached over to touch Valia’s cheek and continued to sing, “I looked into your eyes, And my world came tumbling down, You’re the devil in disguise, That’s why I’m singing this song.”

Greta had not felt more full of life in a long time. She was still getting used the having less leg room behind the wheel, and each time she looked in the mirror, seeing the reflection of Valia gazing back reaffirmed the fact that this was all really happening.

When they passed through the Holland Tunnel, they had arrived. This was her first trip to New York, and Greta marveled at all she saw around her. “You know, I never did order that breakfast and knowing me, I should be starving but I am not.” Greta said.

“You will find yourself eating less now.” Valia replied.

“What, no pizza?” Greta laughed. She found a parking spot down the block from a diner she passed. Walking from the parked car, she continued to turn heads with her graceful beauty. Inside she ordered an egg salad sandwich on rye and a coke. When she sat down to eat, a guy with long black hair offered her a business card and told her that if she was ever interested in professional modeling that she should call him. “Can you tell me how far the Chelsea Hotel is from here?” Greta asked.

“You’re just a few blocks away,” the gent replied. “I can’t quite place your accent, where are you from?”

“Chicago,” she replied. Greta found herself being able to read his thoughts. She could turn it on or off on a whim.

God she’s gorgeous, the gent thought before he spoke, “You’re what I might expect a vision of loveliness from another planet to look like if one arrived.”

Greta turned her head, looked at Valia and giggled. If he only knew, she thought as she replied to the gent. “That’s the nicest thing I have ever heard, from a guy.”

“Goodbye, enjoy your stay in New York,” he said and walked out the door.

I feel such intense energy being here, Greta thought before standing up and leaving with her coke. She walked side by side next to Valia back to the car. “Have I told you I love you since being here?” Greta asked.

“Yes,” Valia replied, “with each breath you take.”

“Every move you make, Every breath you take, I’ll be watching you,” Greta sang.

“Great voice,” a woman shouted from a fire escape.

“Did you know that my name is great spelled sideways,” Greta laughed as she opened her car door.

“Great ass,” a different woman shouted from the same fire escape.

“Welcome to New York,” Valia said.

Greta just laughed and got into the car following her directions to the hotel. A few doors away from the hotel, she noticed a guy sitting in a van reading. She willed him to pull out of the parking spot and go get some gas, parking in the spot when he left.

“I don’t know why, but I think this is going to be an adventure,” she smiled looking up at the hotel. She took her bags out of the trunk and walked into the lobby. A guy looking like he could belong to any number of bands held the door open for her and said, “Hello, welcome to the Chelsea.”

There sure are a lot of friendly people here so far, Greta thought.

You command it from them, you’re fabulous, Valia replied.

The lobby was painted a bright yellow, the walls covered in artwork. When she got to the front desk she told them she was part of the Female Cramps entourage, and she offered her credit card and her drivers license to register.

“I can tell this is your first time here,” the guy at the front desk said.

“Yes, New York is fabulous, and this place, well, its reputation certainly precedes itself.” Greta replied. It’s a pleasure to be here.”

“You are in Room 619, do you need help with your things?” the guy asked.

“Oh no, I’ll manage,” she said and walked over to the elevator, climbed aboard and pushed the button for the sixth floor. “This is a famous place, many artists have stayed here,” Greta said.

The room was decorated in dark colors. It had a queen size bed and a television. A vase of fresh flowers sat on a dresser that seemed an eternity away from the bed compared to the room she and Valia had in Philadelphia. The ceilings were very high, and made her feel less confined while she still got used to her new height. She called her mother at work, willing her to recognize her new voice as her daughters. “Sissy got us a room at the Chelsea Hotel,” Greta said.

“Are you ok honey, do you need anything, more money?” Marlene asked.

“Nope, I am doing just fine in the cash department,” Greta replied. “I stopped in Atlantic City to meet a dear internet friend visiting from very far away and got lucky on a few slot machines,” she giggled.

“Enjoy your stay in New York, and please be careful, got to go honey, love you.”

“Love you too,” Greta said and hung up.

“Come on darling, let’s go see some sights,” Greta said walking over to Valia who was standing looking out the window. She wrapped her arms around her and gave her a hug. Whatcha looking at?”

“I was thinking of the tasks that lie ahead for you,” Valia replied, “and about how happy I am to be a part of them with you.”

“I would not be here were it not for you,” Greta smiled. “Shall we start then?”

“If you wish.”

Greta went to the bathroom, had a tinkle on the toilet looked in the mirror and once again marveled at her new looks. She threw the room key into her purse, slung it around her shoulder and walked out the door. She thought she saw someone at the end of the hall entering their room as she walked to the elevator. When she got to the lobby, Sissy and a few friends were sitting there laughing. They all paused for a moment to gaze at Greta’s long stride and elegant beauty as she passed, turning to look directly at Sissy and smile. She does not recognize me yet, Greta thought.

“What I would love to do with her,” the young woman sitting next to Sissy said before she jumped up and ran towards Greta.

“Uhm, excuse me, but have we met before?” Sissy asked.

Greta simply smiled back at her.

“Well here,” Sissy said handing her a postcard flyer to her show later that evening. “Come by if you like, I’ll have you on the guest list. What’s your name?”

“Valia,” Greta replied, placing the card in her purse before she turned and walked away.

“God, I bet she didn’t understand a word I said,” Sissy said to one of her friends. “I bet she is Russian.”

“There are a lot of tall women in Eastern Europe, you may be right.”

“Was that a bad thing to do?” Greta asked.

“She seems attracted to you in any form,” Valia replied. “There is so much energy in this place.”

“Yes, I feel it too, and I was thinking that a day is simply not enough time to take this city in,” Greta said.

Together they walked down the streets of Manhattan, noticing one famous place after another. They stopped at a fruit stand where Greta purchased a small fruit bowl and a bottle of water. “I wish you could taste this,” she smiled holding up a large red grape. Valia just laughed, marveling at the innocence that Greta possessed.

A homeless woman came shuffling down the street slowly, not making eye contact with anyone. As she passed, Greta offered her the remainder of her fruit bowl that she reached out and took, continuing to look down at the ground. “Oh, I am not sure I’ll ever get used to seeing so many homeless people,” Greta said.

“There is something I must do with such limited time on this visit,” Greta said and hailed a taxi. “Get me as close to the Ground Zero site as you can,” she told the driver.

“Yes m’ahm,” the Jamaican driver replied. He pointed out one famous place after another as they drove through Greenwich Village to the site. He dropped her off on Vessey Street and thanked her for the tip.

The site was busy with workers beginning construction on what was to be the new World Trade Center. “This is where so much of the mess we are in today started,” Greta said as tears formed in her eyes. As they slowly walked around the site, Greta smiled at a young girl about 12 years of age who turned away from the site to look up at her. She could just tell the young girl had lost someone there.

Tell her I love her, a man’s voice spoke. Tell her I am fine, and that I miss her and her mother very much.

Greta was not wearing Valia, so she could not see the owner of the voice, but she could sense he was standing next to his daughter.

“Hey honey,” Greta smiled. “Did you lose someone here?”

“I lost my father here,” the young girl replied with a sophisticated sounding adult voice. “He’s never been found.”

“He’s never really been lost,” Greta replied. “He, like so many others who were lost that day, are still here, waiting to bring some finality to the tragedy that separated you all from your loved ones.”

“I’ve always felt as if he were still here, standing next to me when I come to visit.”

Greta and the young girl both started sobbing as she took her in her arms and comforted her. “You’re daddy is here with you now,” Greta said. “He wants you to know that he misses you and your mother very much, and that he is fine where he is.” The young girl started sobbing uncontrollably.

“This is the first time I have been able to cry since that day,” the young girl said.

“You just let those wonderful tears of sadness flow my dear,” Greta said, “let them flow until they become tears of joy knowing that your father is always with you, and that he loves you, and that he wants you to move past this tragedy and live a happy life.”

She could hear the man crying as she spoke.

“If I didn’t know any better, I might think that you are an angel,” the young girl said.

“You know, that’s the second time I have heard that this week,” Greta giggled wiping the tears from her eyes and the cheeks of the young girl.

“Thank you,” the young girl said. “I can’t explain it, but I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”

“You’re welcome honey, live your life and be happy.”

I don’t know how to thank you, the male voice spoke.

You can let all who died here know that I am going to make certain a tragedy like this never happens again, Greta replied.

She turned and hailed a passing taxi. “Chelsea Hotel,” she said. The driver kept insisting he had seen her somewhere before, in a Vogue Magazine or something. Greta turned to Valia and thought, So this is the price we pay for being gorgeous on planet Earth at the start of the Twenty-First Century huh?

It is a small price to pay, Valia replied.

Chapter 14

Дата добавления: 2015-10-29