Secrets and lies

By Linda Hayman

Horse work was hard, especially in so hot a summer. The whole country was bathed in a heat wave which had started in June and was still burning at the beginning of August. Work was the last thing on people’s minds and it was no different at Follyfoot. Dora, Steve and Slugger made the most of the very early mornings and did as much work as they could before it became too hot. Anything they didn’t finish they left for Ron, who refused to start earlier than he had to and worked, if you could call it that, on through into the hot afternoons while Dora and Steve rested by the lake or exercised the horses in the cool, shady woods. The heat had been intolerable at times and even the horses were feeling it so that they kept as much in the shade as they could, and Dora and Steve frequently took them down to the river to cool off. The Colonel was a fair man and knew how hard Dora, Steve and Slugger had been working (although he would never tell them that because he didn’t want them to get too complacent). One morning he arrived at the farm and called Dora into his study.

“I’ve decided to let you, Steve and Slugger have a holiday.” he said with a smile. Dora looked uneasy, as he knew she would.

“But uncle, who’ll look after the horses? It’s no good leaving it to Ron, nothing will get done.” she said grumpily.

“Don’t worry yourself about that Dora, I’ll be staying here while you’re away so Ron won’t know what’s hit him; and Callie is around at the moment to help so I’m sure we can manage for a few days without you.” Dora looked sulkily at him. She didn’t like to think of anybody else running Follyfoot without her being around.

“Now come on, don’t look so miserable, anybody would think I’ve just given you a life sentence or something.” smiled the Colonel. Dora tried to smile back.

“How long were you thinking of” she said gloomily.

“A week Dora, that’s all. I’ve booked two rooms in a hotel in Scarborough, Steve and Slugger can share. You’ll enjoy it when you get there.” Dora knew she couldn’t refuse his kind offer so she said in a rather sad tone

“I’d better go and tell Steve and Slugger then hadn’t I?”

“Yes, you had” he said “and tell Ron to come and see me will you?”

The Colonel laughed to himself when she’d gone but he knew she would come around to the idea and certainly Steve would be able to talk her into going. Now he had to tell Ron the good news and this he was going to enjoy.

Ron skulked around the yard all day looking busy but really not doing much at all. He sneered at Steve who kept singing “We’re all going on a summer holiday, no more working for a week or two” whenever Ron was within hearing distance.

Dora scolded Steve.

“Don’t be so mean to him Steve; he’s really upset that he can’t come with us.”

“Well he’s brought it on himself hasn’t he - he should do more work around here.” said Steve with no conscience at all.

Slugger’s voice shouted across the yard,

“Supper - come and get it.” Dora and Steve were starving and they raced each other to the farmhouse.

“I can’t smell anything cooking.” said Steve as they went through the door.

“No, neither can I.” said Dora.

“That’s because we’ve got salad.” said Slugger.

“Salad!” exclaimed Dora and Steve together.

“I can’t believe it, we’ve had hot stew since this heat wave began - it’s bound to rain now.” said Steve with a smirk.

“Get out of it.” said Slugger, just missing Steve’s head with his hand. Dora laughed.

“This is really nice Sluggs, thank you.” she said looking at the huge spread in front of her, and she gave him a hug. They sat down and were filling their plates by the time Ron arrived.

“Are you going to Scarborough fair?” Steve started singing.

“Ha ha, very funny.” said Ron glumly.

“Oh, Steve!” exclaimed Dora, glaring at him across the table.

“Never mind mate,” said Steve “I’ll bring you back a stick of rock.”

“And you know what you can do with that - stick it where the sun don’t shine.” said Ron. Steve laughed and piled more cheese on his plate.

“Well, well, well, you’ve excelled yourself Sluggs - rabbit food tonight.” said Ron sarcastically.

“Nobody’s forcing you to eat it.” said Slugger.

“Honestly Ron, there’s no pleasing you is there. You moan about stew and now you’re moaning about salad.” said Dora.

“Yeh well, at least it aint Slugger’s cooking so it might just be edible.” He sat down and filled his plate, not seeing the caterpillar that Slugger could see on Ron’s lettuce.

“What’s so funny, Sluggs?” asked Ron.

“What’s so funny, he says. Nothing you’d be interested in.” Said Slugger. Ron shrugged and tucked into his food.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Hey Ron, what’s worse than finding a caterpillar in your dinner?” Ron tried to ignore Steve and roughly pulled his motorbike off its stand.

“Finding half a caterpillar.” Steve and Dora laughed until their stomachs hurt.

Ron started his bike and roared off in a cloud of dust.

“Hey,” said Steve to Dora, once they’d managed to stop laughing. “Fancy a bit of star gazing? It’s too hot to sleep yet.”

“OK.” smiled Dora, surprised at his suggestion but glad to have Steve to herself for a while. He seemed so happy since she told him about the holiday. He was really looking forward to it. This was a different side of Steve that she hadn’t really seen before, laughing and joking and even singing, and she liked it.

They lay next to each other on their backs beside the lake in the heat of the evening, looking up at the night sky. The stars were bright at Follyfoot with the absence of street lighting. The thin crescent of a new moon appeared from behind a wisp of cloud, like a bright gold thread in the night sky. Dora couldn’t think of anywhere she’d rather be and the thought of leaving it, even for a week, saddened her.

“Why do we need to go away, couldn’t we just spend our holiday here?” she asked.

“Oh yeh, I can see us now lying around doing nothing while the others do all the work - I don’t think so.” said Steve.

“It was just a thought.” said Dora dreamily.

“Don’t you really want to go?” asked Steve, raising himself up onto one arm. Dora looked at his puzzled face and smiled.

“Of course I want to go.” she lied. Steve smiled and lay back down.

“I can’t wait, it’ll be great.” he said “you’ll see.”

Dora noticed a shooting star zipping across the sky. That’s a good omen, she thought. Perhaps I will enjoy the holiday after all. She closed her eyes and imagined Steve leaning over her and kissing her on the mouth. She wished she had the courage to kiss him but she couldn’t bear the thought of his rejecting her. She wondered if he had kissed Wendy when he was helping her with her so called ‘riding lessons’ all those months ago. Or perhaps more than that! No, she thought, he wouldn’t have... would he? Steve broke her train of thought.

“Just think Dora, in two days time we could be doing this on the beach.”

She couldn’t resist teasing him. “Are you getting all romantic Steve Ross?” He looked over at her.

“Would you like me to?” he asked softly, his dark eyes looking so deeply into hers that she had to look away.

It was as though he had read her mind but she wasn’t sure whether he was serious or not. She didn’t answer him but just smiled a slightly embarrassed smile. He grinned, stretched and then sat up, hugging his knees and looking out across the inky lake into the nothingness.

Dora closed her eyes again so she could think. She wished she could work him out. She was confused. Had he meant what he said? Should she have answered him – perhaps called his bluff? She had bravely worn her heart on her sleeve when Steve was seeing Wendy so that everybody knew exactly how she was feeling. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again though. She wasn’t about to give up on Steve but she would keep her feelings to herself in future. Yes, she was right not to have answered him.

After a while, Dora opened her eyes and sat up next to Steve. He turned to her and smiled but didn’t say anything and then he looked back across the lake. Dora followed his gaze into the darkness. It’s so beautiful here even in the dark, she thought.

“Do you know what?” said Steve, reading her mind again! “If somebody gave me a wish to be anywhere in the world at this very moment, I’d want to be here.” Dora looked at him.

“Me too” she said.

He’s so different at the moment, she thought. Why can’t he be like this all the time? Steve turned to face her and this time she stayed looking into his eyes.

“I’m going to turn in now.” he said. “Are you coming?” Dora looked at him aghast.

“Steve!” she exclaimed, teasing him again.

“I mean are you coming to bed too - your bed that is - on your own.” said Steve correcting himself badly and getting into deeper trouble. Dora laughed.

“I know what you mean.” she said. “I was just playing.”

“Oh were you, right you’ve had it.” said Steve and he grabbed her and tickled her. Dora screamed and laughed at the same time.

“Stop, please, stop.” she begged, trying to get away from him.

“Say pretty please.” He said, but she could hardly speak for laughing and her stomach hurt again.

Finally she managed to blurt it out and Steve stopped tickling, but still held her close. Dora couldn’t believe what was happening. She didn’t attempt to break free from his grip and just waited to see what he would do next. Time was standing still, she was sure of it. Why was he still holding her so close? She was hypnotised by his eyes and couldn’t stop herself moving her head towards him. He was bound to release her now she thought but she was wrong. As their lips met she closed her eyes. The kiss was tender and he held her head gently between his hands. She opened her eyes again when he took his lips away. He touched her hair delicately with his fingers and once again leaned towards her. This time the kiss was more passionate and Dora responded in a way she didn’t know she was capable of. It lasted forever, or so it seemed to her. Steve finally took his mouth from hers, the taste of her still on his lips. Then he held her tightly to him as if he would never let her go. Dora laid her dizzy head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

“Will you come back with me?” he whispered in her ear.

Dora opened her eyes wide. This time there was no awkwardness and the different tone of his voice left Dora in no doubt as to what it was he was asking of her. Her heart leapt and her mouth was dry. He lifted her head and turned her face towards him. She felt faint with expectation.

“Stay with me tonight?”

His dark chocolate eyes penetrated deeply into hers. Her heart raced and she felt breathless. Without taking her eyes from his she slowly nodded her head.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Steve was awake before his alarm sounded so he switched it off. He watched Dora as she slept. He loved her more than she would ever know, not because of who she was, but because of who he was when she was with him.

He reached out and touched her hair tenderly so as not to wake her but she opened her eyes. She smiled a sleepy smile at him.

“Hi” he said smiling back.

“Hi” said Dora and she rolled over and cuddled him, lying with her head on his chest.

He put his arm around her and held her, their naked bodies soft and warm, moulding into each other. She still couldn’t believe it. They had made love twice during the night and to Dora it was the most beautiful thing she had ever done in her life. Being a virgin hadn’t inhibited her at all; in fact it seemed to make her more eager! This morning she felt so alive and so much in love. She wondered if she looked different; she certainly felt different. Will people notice? How can she keep from shouting it out loud for everyone to hear? She smoothed Steve’s chest with her hand and he leaned across and kissed her.

“We have to get up” he said.

“Why? Let’s stay here all day.” she said distractedly and she snuggled into him even more.

“Slugger will be wondering where you’ve got to” Steve said “and there are some horses out there waiting to be fed.”

“Spoil sport.” said Dora, with a cheeky grin.

Steve laughed at her. He was happier than he could ever remember. He hadn’t planned for any of this to happen; it just felt so right last night.

“Well, do we keep this as our secret or do you want the whole world to know?” Steve asked her.

Dora turned over onto her back and thought for a while.

“My heart wants the whole world to know but my head says not just yet. Do you mind Steve?” Steve smiled.

“Whatever you want, I want.” he said.

He kissed her nose and then pulled back the covers and jumped out of bed. Dora watched him and admired his lean, strong, naked body. Something inside her stirred once again.

“Well, there’s something I want now.” she said seductively. Steve turned towards her.

“And what might that be?” he said.

“Can’t you guess?” she said holding the bed covers up and willing him to get back in.

Steve looked at her for a moment, smiled and then said

“Whatever you want, I want.”

Ron’s motorbike roared into the yard but amazingly nobody rushed out to yell at him. He dismounted and looked around. The stalls were still closed up. It’s like the Marie Celeste, he thought to himself. As he walked towards the farmhouse a not too happy Slugger came out.

“Have you seen Dora?” he asked moodily. “She’s nowhere to be found and her bed’s not been slept in.”

“Dear dear dear” said Ron “very strange ‘cause her four legged darlings haven’t been woken up yet either!”

“Ay! You mean the stables are still closed up?” Exclaimed Slugger, looking really fed up now.

“Yep, that’s exactly what I mean.” said Ron.

“Ere, per’aps she’s been abducted by aliens whilst you and Steve were sleeping.” said Ron menacingly.

“It’s no laughing matter.” said Slugger “I suppose I’d better go and see if Steve’s seen her.”

“Nah, don’t you worry me ole mate, I’ll go.” said Ron quickly, smiling to himself and wondering whether he would be killing two birds with one stone. (Ron didn’t miss much!).

“I bet she’s riding that ‘orrible great brute of ‘ers.” said Slugger. “She’s gonna miss her breakfast if she’s not careful.” he muttered as he turned to go back inside the farmhouse.

“That’s not a very nice way to talk about Steve.” Ron shouted after him, laughing at his own joke.

As Ron walked across the yard Dora came rushing out of the stables fastening the last couple of buttons on her blouse.

“Morning!” said Ron, looking closely at Dora’s face.

“You sickening for something girl?”

“No.” said a rather flustered Dora, her face giving away a multitude of sins.

“Oh, only you look a bit flushed.” said Ron with a smirk on his face.

“I overslept.” said Dora.

“Well, well, well, that’s what comes of not sleeping in your own bed.” Dora stood in front of him wide-eyed, not knowing how to answer.

“Sluggs said your bed hasn’t been slept in.” Ron grinned and glanced up at Steve’s window. Dora was unusually tongue-tied, but then she crossed her fingers behind her back and said

“I slept in Folly’s stall, he wasn’t himself yesterday. I was worried.”

“My, my, my, I do hope he’s OK now.” said Ron sarcastically but before Dora could answer, Steve appeared at the door. Ron smirked at him.

“Did you oversleep too?”

“My alarm clock didn’t go off.” Steve said truthfully. “What’s it to you anyway?”

“Nothing, nothing.” said Ron. “It’s just odd how both of you overslept at the same time innit?” He laughed his dirtiest laugh and walked off into the barn for a smoke. Steve and Dora looked at each other.

“He knows.” whispered Dora with a worried the look on her face.

“He’s guessing” said Steve “He doesn’t know for sure - unless we give it away.”

Dora grinned her cheeky grin and Steve laughed at her.

“It’s fun having a secret like this isn’t it?” she giggled. Steve put his arm around her.

“I couldn’t think of a better secret.” he grinned. “Now, we’d better get started on this lot.”

“Phew, is it hot or what?” said Steve, mopping the sweat from his brow. “Thank God we’ve just about finished.” He looked over towards Dora who had just finished grooming Kalinka.

“Hey, do you fancy riding to the river? We could take a picnic lunch?” he said happily.

Just at that moment Ron appeared from behind the barn, wheeling an almost empty wheelbarrow.

“Oh that’ll be lovely Steve, won’t it Dora? Thanks for asking. I’ll go and tell Sluggs to get the food ready.” Ron dumped the wheelbarrow in the middle of the yard and walked over towards the farmhouse.

Steve shot a desperate look at Dora. He wanted it to be just him and her but he knew there was nothing they could do about it. He shrugged and walked over to her.

“Ron hasn’t given us a minute to ourselves has he?” he said seriously. Then he smiled.

“But never mind hey, because tomorrow we’ll be going to Scarborough and we’ll have a whole week to ourselves. I don’t think Sluggs will be too much of a problem.” He winked at her and Dora smiled. With everything that had happened she had almost forgotten about the holiday, but suddenly she couldn’t wait to go.

The river meandered through the woods and they laid out the picnic on the bank where the trees thinned out into a shady clearing. Copper and Alex were under a tree, enjoying the break from the sun’s rays. Ron and Slugger had come in the Jeep and brought the picnic. They tucked into the food and enjoyed the homemade lemonade that the Colonel had brought over from Mrs Porter, his housekeeper. Ron stretched.

“Cor! That was great.” he said, rubbing his stomach “I’m stuffed.”

“Blimey, don’t say that was a compliment coming from ‘im.” said Slugger, laying back, putting a newspaper over his face and making himself comfortable in the deckchair he had brought with him.

“Yeh, well it has been known.” said Ron. Then after a moment he said “Hey Sluggs, did Dora tell you where she was last night?”

Dora stared at Ron open mouthed and Steve frowned at him. Ron continued.

“Folly was sick - did you know?” Slugger shook his head underneath the newspaper. “Yeh, evidently she slept in his stall with him, although I don’t remember seeing much straw on you this morning.” he said, grinning straight at Dora.

“Knock it off Ron.” said Steve, losing patience with him now. He looked over at Slugger but luckily the heat and a full stomach had made Slugger sleepy and he was snoring.

“Ron, please don’t.” whispered Dora looking worried.

“Don’t what girl?” asked Ron smugly and louder than he need have.

.

“We want to tell everyone ourselves when we’re ready, please don’t make it seem... seem sordid.” Dora pleaded with Ron from her heart, but Steve noticed the devious expression on his face. Ron continued.

“Well now, I suppose I could forget all about it... if you was to ask the Colonel to let me go to Scarborough too!”

“So that’s your little game is it.” said Steve angrily. “Blackmail.”

“Look, I’m doing it for you two.” he said. Steve looked puzzled.

“Straight up mate! I know how much you’ll miss me when you’re gone.” He laughed. Dora looked at him with a sad face and sighed.

“I’ll do my best but I don’t think uncle will budge.” She said. Ron looked over at Steve and grinned.

“Well, in that case Romeo you’d better start packing, cos uncle aint gonna like his little thoroughbred being tampered with by a carthorse like you, is he?” Steve jumped up.

“Why you...”

“Steve, don’t!” exclaimed Dora.

Steve shook his head and walked off into the woods, kicking an old fir cone hard against a tree trunk as he went. Dora looked at Ron.

“I’ve said I’ll do my best and I will,” she said with clout, “but you have to keep your side of the bargain.”

Ron smiled a wicked smile and saluted, and then he too settled down for a nap. Dora looked at him with disdain. She couldn’t understand how Ron could be kind and friendly one minute and like this the next. He certainly was a Jekyll and Hyde she thought as she went to find Steve. (It hadn’t occurred to Dora that Ron was hurting because of her closer relationship with Steve.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Steve was glad that Ron didn’t stay for supper. Slugger’s freshly caught trout went down well and when they’d finished eating Steve and Dora washed up.

“I’m gonna get an early night tonight.” said Steve. “You wore me out last night.” he grinned at Dora.

“You cheeky devil! I didn’t hear you complaining.” she laughed and flicked bubbles onto his nose.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to risk being away again tonight anyway.” she added.

Steve put down the plate he had just dried. He stood behind Dora who was finishing off at the sink. He put his arms around her slim waist and she leaned back on him. He kissed her neck and Dora closed her eyes, turning her head until their lips met.

They said goodnight at the front door. “Just think of Scarborough.” Steve whispered, raising his eyebrows. Dora went into the living room and watched him from the window as he walked across to his loft, wishing with all her heart that she was with him. As she turned around she caught Slugger watching her. She smiled at him.

“You ‘appy girl?” he asked her. Dora nodded enthusiastically.

“Looking forward to your ‘oliday are ya?”

“Oh Sluggs, I was but Ron wants...” she broke off quickly before she finished the sentence.

“Ron wants a good kick up the backside, that’s what Ron wants.” said Slugger, but with a twinkle in his eye. Dora grinned at him, ran over, flung her arms around his neck and gave him a big kiss on his cheek.

“Do you know what time uncle is coming over tomorrow?” she asked him.

“Yeh, he’s coming over first thing to sort things out before we leave.” Replied Slugger “Why?” he added.

Dora hesitated,

“Well, Ron wants to come with us and I said I’d ask uncle.” Slugger shook his head.

“He won’t back down. You know the Colonel when he puts his mind to summit.” Dora looked worried.

“I have to try.” she said gloomily. “I promised.”

Slugger saw how miserable she looked. It wasn’t fair to keep it from her any longer, he thought. As he stood facing her, he put his hands on her shoulders and smiled.

“Now there’s no need to fret young lady, cause I rang the Colonel this afternoon when we got back from the picnic.” Dora stared at him with a puzzled look on her face.

“I told him that I was too old to go gallivanting and that he ought to let you youngsters go and ‘ave a good time together. I told him that I wouldn’t be able to cope with the travelling in this ‘eat and that I’d be ‘appier staying ‘ere.” Dora stood wide-eyed.

“And he agreed?” she asked expectantly.

“Eventually he agreed.” said Slugger. She shook her head, unable to believe what he was telling her. He laughed at her.

“Now you go on over and tell Steve...... oh, and make sure you’re both up on time tomorrow. Remember the Colonel’s coming over early.”

Dora stood gaping at him, her mouth wide open.

“You’d better close that an’ all, or the flies’ll get in.” he laughed. “I wasn’t born yesterday you know. I wasn’t asleep at the picnic; I was just resting my eyes. You can tell Ron tomorrow that he can go to Scarborough in my place.”

“Oh Sluggs, you’re the best. I don’t know how to thank you.” Dora said, and she kissed him again before rushing from the room.

He watched her run across the yard. He didn’t need thanks, he was just happy that she and Steve had finally got together but, like Ron, he wasn’t sure how the Colonel would take it, especially if he heard it from other sources. Still, he thought, their secret would be safe for a while longer now. He climbed the stairs to his room, content with his evening’s work.

Dora crept as quietly as the creaky wooden steps to Steve’s room would allow her. She undressed and slipped under the sheet, snuggling up to him. Steve had his back to her and stirred when her cool body touched his warm one. He opened his eyes a fraction and then closed them again, enjoying the feel of her soft skin next to his, her shapely breasts gently pressing into his back. After a short while he turned over and said sleepily,

“This is a nice surprise - tell me I’m not dreaming?”

“You’re not dreaming Steve.” she laughed.

“Prove it.” he challenged her. Dora leaned over and kissed him hard and long on the lips.

“Umm, not bad.” he said as he put his arms around her and pulled her down to him.

“No, wait Steve; I’ve something to tell you. You’ll never believe what’s happened!” She said excitedly. Steve was intrigued and wider awake now so Dora told him what Slugger had done.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The train journey to Scarborough was uneventful although Steve found it hard to be civil to Ron.

“I can’t believe Ron still came knowing that Slugger gave up his place for him.” said Steve when Ron had gone to the toilet, and probably for a smoke as Steve and Dora had insisted on a ‘no smoking’ carriage.

“He doesn’t know that Steve.” said Dora, desperately wanting Steve to forgive Ron so that they could all enjoy their holiday together.

“Slugger gave Ron the same reasons for his not going as he gave to uncle. Then he told Ron that I was the one who talked uncle into letting him go instead.”

“So you want me to forgive and forget - is that it?” Steve looked at her sternly, but Dora could see the smile in his eyes and knew he was ready to do just that.

“I’ll relent, but if he does anything to upset you this week I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“Thanks Steve.” Dora said, and tenderly kissed his lips.

The Colonel had booked them into The Grand Hotel, which overlooked the South Bay. The hotel was the largest in Scarborough and certainly lived up to its name. As they alighted from the taxi Steve and Ron looked up at the huge building, distinctive because of its four towers. They entered through the huge glass doors admiring all the ornate Victorian grandeur of the place that was to be their home for the next week. Dora watched their faces as they tried to take in their impressive surroundings, and smiled. She, of course, had stayed in many places like this in the past, some much grander, and she had grown to hate the pomp and circumstance that went with it. She knew though that staying here with the boys would be completely different and she was looking forward to it, if only she could keep them from arguing! Ron and Steve followed Dora over to the reception desk where they booked in. They declined the offer of a hotel porter preferring to find their own way to the rooms, Ron going on ahead with the room keys and his own case leaving Steve to carry both his and Dora’s cases.

They took the lift to the eighth floor and Ron unlocked the door of the twin room first and placed his case on one of the beds. He looked around the large room. There was a double bed either side of a large central bay window (complete with window seat) which overlooked the sea. Each bed had a bedside cabinet, and wardrobes stretched the whole length of one wall. On the other wall was a dressing table and chest of drawers whilst in the corner was a writing desk and chair. The bathroom was huge, with a pristine white bath suite, including a bidet (although Ron didn’t really know what it was for). There was a large enamelled mirror over the wash basin and spotless black and white tiles on the walls and floor.

Steve finally arrived after struggling with the cases from the lift. He went into the room and saw Ron’s case on the bed.

“Hey, what are you doing? Your room’s over there.” He said irritably, pointing across the landing.

“Oh no mate! You were gonna share with Slugger so now you’ve got me instead haven’t you.” Ron said with a beaming face.

Dora looked at him with doe eyes hoping that she could change his mind.

“We thought...” she started to say.

“Well you thought wrong didn’t you.” Ron jumped in. “The Colonel would never forgive me if he knew I’d let you two shack up together.” he added, rather crudely Dora thought.

“But he’d never know.” said Dora, trying again to change his mind.

“Ah now, I can’t take that chance can I?” said Ron, enjoying his little spoiling game. “Anyway you’d be lying to uncle and that would never do, would it?”

Dora snatched the other key from Ron’s hand and opened what was to be her room. The room was very pleasant although half the size of the boys’ room, and the view from her window looked out over the hotel gardens rather than the sea. Steve carried her case across and placed it on the single bed, slamming the door shut in Ron’s face.

Dora smiled at him. “Never mind, if Slugger had come we wouldn’t have been sharing anyway.” she said, trying not to sound as disappointed as she was feeling. She put her arms around Steve’s neck and they kissed until a knock on the door disturbed them.

“What?” shouted Steve irritably as he opened the door to Ron; only it wasn’t Ron. Standing in front of him was a tall, slender lady with grey, permed hair, tinged with a vivid blue hue. Steve put her in her late fifties/early sixties. Her nose was large and pointed and her eyes were small and dark, like little black beads so that she reminded Steve of a ferret, like the ones his old granddad had kept many years ago.

“Sorry, I thought you were someone else.” he stuttered.

“Obviously.” she said in a very affected voice. “Are your parents around?” She asked.

“Parents! We’re old enough to be parents!.” He exclaimed, laughing aloud. Dora came to the door curious to know who it was Steve was talking to.

“Hello.” she said with a smile, “I’m Dora and this is Steve.” The woman looked from one to the other and then said

“I’m in the room next to yours. I come here every year for a quiet holiday and I want to warn you young people that I will not tolerate noise... especially at night.” she accentuated. Steve and Dora looked at each other, trying desperately not to laugh.

“I’ll try not to make too much noise when I’m here.” said Dora, attempting to be serious.

“So this is your room?” the woman said.

“Yes, Steve and Ron are across the landing.” Dora replied, wondering why on earth she was explaining herself to this nosey old woman.

“So there’s another male in your party is there?” the woman asked snootily, looking down her nose at them. “Just the three of you is it? She said derisively.

“It certainly is missus.” said Ron’s voice from behind her. She turned around and looked disdainfully at Ron who had meanwhile changed into psychedelic shorts and t-shirt, his round, pink-tinted, sunglasses were perched on the end of his nose and he had flip flops on his otherwise bare feet.

“Ohh!” exclaimed the woman, flinching as Ron leaned towards her holding out his hand. He introduced himself.

“Ron Stryker - the biker.” he said in a sinister voice, “and you are?”.

“Penelope Pratt.” “Miss.” she added proudly.

Dora could hear Steve sniggering behind her “I’d never have guessed.” he whispered loudly. Dora had to press her lips tightly together to stop from laughing.

“Is there a problem?” Ron asked her mockingly. “Because if there is I, being the most senior of the party, am the one to consult.” he said using his best la-di-dah voice. Steve had by now lost it completely and was rolling on Dora’s bed clutching his stomach, laughing for all he was worth.

The woman huffed “Don’t worry I most certainly will.” she said scornfully as she returned to her room with her nose held high in the air.

“Penelope Pratt, the nosey old bat.” sang Ron to a made-up tune and holding his nose high in the air too.

The three friends burst into laughter, the tears streaming down their faces, forgetting their earlier differences. Their holiday had finally begun.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Isn’t it strange how fast the days go when you’re enjoying yourself.” said Steve at dinner one night. “I can’t believe it’s Thursday already.”

“I know, but we’ve another whole day ahead of us.” said Dora. “What shall we do tomorrow?” she asked.

“I think we should go to the castle.” suggested Ron excitedly.

“Sounds good to me.” said Steve. “Perhaps after the castle we could do some present shopping and then the rest of the day on the beach.” he added.

“Yes!. Agreed Dora. “And we should go on the ghost tour tomorrow evening before dinner.” Ron nodded his head enthusiastically.

Steve laughed at their excited faces. “Well, that’s settled then.” he said.

They’d had a wonderful few days together, spending lots of time on the beach and in the sea, laughing and enjoying each other’s company with not a thought of Follyfoot - except that yesterday Dora had almost tried to ‘rescue’ one of the beach donkeys. She had watched the children’s happy faces as the five donkeys walked patiently backwards and forwards along the sand giving rides. One of them, called Tilly, was getting on a bit and Dora thought that she should not have been giving rides and should be retired. Steve and Ron managed to talk her out of ‘rescuing’ it, but not before they had followed the donkeys, and their owners, back to their summer accommodation in a field, just at the rear of the gardens which Dora could see from her window. The owners had a beautiful modern caravan that they stayed in to be with their donkeys. Dora tried to find fault with something but she couldn’t. The donkeys were well looked after with plenty of food and bedding. They had water, a large stable for shelter and were groomed and rested for long periods every day. The family that owned them obviously loved them very much and Dora eventually agreed with the boys that Tilly was fine where she was.

As they were leaving the restaurant Dora spoke aside to Steve.

“Why don’t you and Ron go out for an hour or so Steve? You can treat him to a drink, after all, he’s been good fun hasn’t he? And he’s given us plenty of time to ourselves too.” She smiled and gave Steve that certain look of hers that melted his heart and he knew he wouldn’t be able to refuse her request.

“OK.” he said, remembering his stolen moments with Dora when Ron had left them alone, and for which Steve was very grateful indeed!

Steve saw Dora back up to her room before he and Ron left. “Won’t be long.” he shouted as he walked back to the lift. Dora blew him a kiss and closed her door.

“Show me the way to go ‘ome, I’m tired an I wanna go to bed.” Ron sang loudly.

“Shhh!” whispered Steve loudly, putting his finger up to his lips but missing them so that his finger was on the side of his chin. “People are trying to shleep.” he slurred.

It was nearly midnight and Steve and Ron were walking very unsteadily back to the hotel after their night on the town; at least they were trying to but seemed to be taking one step forwards and three steps backwards. They were propping each other up as they went and the more they tried to be quiet, the noisier they became.

Ron laughed and nudged Steve’s arm so that Steve lost his balance, but he managed to grab hold of Ron’s arm to stop himself falling.

“Ere, I bet you wanna go to bed, don’t ya?” said Ron, giggling. “Speshly wiv Dora waiting for ya.” It was Steve’s turn to giggle now.

“Sheee’s gonna be so crosh wiv us.” he said trying to focus on Ron’s face.

They both giggled now, clinging on to each other for vital support. Ron suddenly took Steve by surprise and stood up straight with one arm in the air. Steve clung to him for dear life.

“We’ll take her back a preshent, a peash offering.” Ron slurred. “An’ I know jush the fing!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Steve slowly and painfully opened his eyes and then quickly closed them again against the bright sunlight which was streaming in through the window. He lay motionless on the bed, lying on his stomach with his arms and legs sprawled out to the four corners in an x-shape. He tried his eyes again and this time was able to keep them open, although he found himself squinting. His head felt like a bomb had exploded, was still exploding, inside. His lips were dry and his mouth tasted like a sewer. He still hadn’t plucked up the courage to move the rest of his fully clothed body but knew he must. After a few minutes he slowly edged down the bed and off the end until he was kneeling on the floor with his head still lying on the bed. Then he cautiously lifted his head, which exploded once more. Steve groaned and put his hand on his brow. He had only ever been drunk once before and now he remembered why he hadn’t been keen to repeat it! He somehow managed to stand up and walk across to the bathroom. He opened the door but stopped dead in his tracks, staring hard into the room and then looking slowly around. He closed the door again and stood motionless, staring straight ahead.

“Ron!” he shouted. “Ron!” this time more loudly. Ron groaned but didn’t budge. Steve gingerly moved over to Ron’s bed, filled the glass which was standing on his bedside cabinet with water from the kettle and poured it over Ron’s head.

“Aaargh.” Ron screeched. “Wot the ‘ell’s going on?” He sat up too quickly and felt dizzy, grabbing his wet head between his hands to try and stop the spinning and lessen the incessant hammering coming from within.

Steve stood pointing towards the bathroom. “There’s a donkey in the bathroom.” He said in a controlled voice. Ron’s eyebrows knitted together in a frown.

“A what?” asked Ron calmly, deciding that he hadn’t heard Steve properly.

“There’s a donkey in the bathroom!” Steve shouted, in more of a panic. “The bath’s full of water, the sink’s full of hay and the floor’s full of sh.. well you can guess what the floor’s full of.”

They stared at each other, then the realisation of what they had done started to sink in.

“Dora’s peace offering.” said Ron slowly, starting to remember. He went over and opened the bathroom door himself, just to check that Steve hadn’t been hallucinating, but there was the donkey pulling some hay from the sink and munching nonchalantly, completely unaware of the trouble she was causing.

“Oh blimey Steve, what are we gonna do?” Ron asked, hoping that Steve would have an instant solution.

Steve ran his hand through his thick, dark hair trying desperately to think, with the bomb still blasting in his head.

“How the hell did we get it here without being seen?”

Ron shook his head. “I dunno – can’t remember.”

Steve looked at the clock. It was only a quarter to six. Hopefully, if they worked quickly, they could get the animal back before it was missed.

“Come on Ron, think – we’ve got to get it back and soon!” Steve said anxiously.

Dora stirred. Like Steve’s, her body clock was used to early mornings and the holiday hadn’t managed to change it. She stretched and sat up in bed. She’d had a disturbed night, dreaming about all sorts of things. She’d even dreamed about the donkeys she had watched on the beach.

She went to the window, pulling the curtains back to let in the sunshine. They were in for another hot day, the heat from the sun already burning away the early morning dew. Dora looked at her clock - a quarter to six. Yes, she thought, a nice time to wake the boys up, especially after their late night out! Dora grinned as she dressed. She was looking forward to having some fun at their expense.

She banged loudly on the boys’ door. Inside the room Ron and Steve looked at each other in disbelief. “Dora!” they whispered together. Ron quickly closed the bathroom door. They tried to look ‘normal’, all the while their heads continually thumping and now they were on their feet, their stomachs churning. Steve opened the door a little way and peeped out. Dora was stood with her back to him but she swung around as soon as she heard the handle click.

“Good morning.” she said very loudly.

“Hi Dora.” Steve replied, much more sheepishly, just standing still and staring at her.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in then.” she asked. Steve slowly stepped to one side and Dora entered.

“Morning Ron, how are you this morning?” Ron tried to smile, although even that made his head hurt.

“Great thanks Dora. You’re up early.” he said half-heartedly.

Steve closed the door and now stood by Ron’s side. Dora looked them up and down, somehow managing to keep a straight face. They looked like two naughty boys waiting outside the headmaster’s office for their punishment. “You two look as if you haven’t been to bed?” Dora lied.

They were still fully dressed in the clothes they had worn the previous evening except that they had managed to remove their shoes – well one shoe in Ron’s case. Their clothes were crumpled as much as their bed sheets. They both looked the same ghostly white colour but Ron had a slight tinge of green around his mouth.

There was a strange mix of smells in the room, most were very unpleasant but one surprisingly familiar, or so Dora thought. She opened the windows wide, allowing the fresh sea air to invade the room. Dora breathed in deeply. Steve and Ron tried to shut out the raucous sound of the seagulls that suddenly penetrated their eardrums.

“Cor blimey, I swear those birds are using megaphones.” exclaimed Ron.

Suddenly there was a crash which came from the direction of the bathroom.

“Dear, dear.” said Ron. “All that air coming in must have blown summit over.”

“And it just happened to blow through a closed door?” said Dora doubtfully.

She moved towards the bathroom but Steve stood in her way. “I’ll see what it was.” he said agitatedly. Dora knew something wasn’t right.

“Who have you got in there.” she said accusingly to Steve, trying to get to the door.

“Nobody, honest.” he said, still blocking her path.

“Steve, if you don’t let me pa...” Dora didn’t finish her sentence. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It was the same sound that she thought she had dreamed last night - a braying donkey! Dora opened the bathroom door.

“Tilly!” She exclaimed. “How did you get here?”

Ron wished that Tilly had answered her, at least then he might have known how to get her back out of the hotel without being seen. Dora looked around the previously immaculate bathroom. Her mouth dropped open.

Steve and Ron stood waiting for the inevitable indignation from Dora but, to their surprise, she started smiling and then the smile turned into laughter.

“You’re not cross?” queried Ron.

“You brought her back for me, didn’t you?” she said kindly. “How can I be cross?” Dora smoothed the donkey’s rough nose

“We’ve got to get her back, before everyone’s up and about.” Steve said urgently. “You’ll have to help us Dora – please.”

Just then there was a knock on the door. They looked at each other. Dora quickly closed the bathroom door, staying inside with Tilly. Ron went to see who was knocking. His face fell when he saw Penelope Pratt standing in front of him in her nightie, dressing gown, slippers and very fetching brown hair net.

“I heard strange noises, what’s going on,” she said “do you know what time it is?” Ron was about to give her a mouthful but Steve stepped in front of him.

“Good morning Miss Pratt, so sorry to have disturbed you. Ron and I were trying to be quiet. We had a late night – or early morning, if you know what I mean.” He said it with the biggest smile he could muster without his head hurting. The smile seemed to do the trick. Miss Pratt turned decidedly coy and smiled back at Steve. Her ferret-like eyes had a distinct twinkle in them and she said

“Well, I quite understand young man but there have been some very odd noises since early this morning. It’s very disturbing and I need my beauty sleep you know.” she said, giggling like an old fishwife.

You’re right there thought Steve but then he said “Sorry Miss Pratt or may I call you Penelope?” (He was trying desperately to get her on their side.)

“Penny, my dear. You can call me Penny.” she said in a suddenly husky voice, sidling scarily towards him. “And you’re Steve aren’t you? Why don’t you call in later and have a coffee.” she added.

Steve tried not to look too horrified at the invitation. “Well, it’s our last day today so we’re going to make the most of it, but if we have time...”

“We!” she exclaimed. “I meant just you.” she said in a quieter voice. Steve swallowed hard, worried now as to how he could get out of it and trying to put the saucy wink, which she finished her sentence with, out of his mind.

He smiled at her nervously and slowly started to close the door. Finally Miss Pratt began her retreat. “Bye bye then dear - see you later I hope.” And, much to Steve’s relief, she returned to her room, waving at him with her fingers. He slammed the door closed and stood with his back to it, taking as much air into his lungs as he could muster.

Ron laughed out loud. “You’ve pulled there Steve me ole mate.” Dora came out of the bathroom.

“What’s that you said Ron?”

“Hah! Ole Romeo ‘ere has just had a little proposition... from the nosey old bat.” Dora smiled at Steve’s expression, which was a mixture of disbelief and bewilderment.

“I was only trying to get her on our side.” he said in a rather disorientated voice.

Dora looked sympathisingly at him but then she said “I hate to remind you but there’s another female who needs your attention at this moment and it isn’t me!”

“Oh blazes, Tilly!” Steve groaned.

Dora decided it was time to take charge. “Look Ron, go and look in the lift. See if there’s any clues to suggest that you brought her up in it - you couldn’t have walked her up the stairs.”

“Right.” said Ron enthusiastically, imagining himself as some sort of private detective.

“Steve and I will make a start on the bathroom.” Steve groaned again.

After a short while Ron arrived back. “We brought her up in a lift alright but not the posh one. I’ve found another lift this end of the corridor, near the nosey bat’s room. It must be a staff lift I s’pose.”

“Well done Ron.” Dora said. Ron smiled, proudly puffing out his chest.

“Right” said Steve, feeling slightly more in control now, “let’s get Tilly home.”

Dora looked at him with wide eyes. “Steve.” she said appealingly.

“What?” said Steve uncertainly, wondering what was coming next.

“I think Ron and I should take Tilly back.”

Ron smirked. “Good idea girl.” he said.

“Why can’t I come?” Steve asked, slightly offended by his exclusion.

Dora hesitated before she spoke. “Somebody needs to keep Miss Pratt occupied while we get Tilly into the lift.” Steve could see Ron’s shoulders shaking in silent laughter.

“Oh no! Dora I can’t!” he exclaimed.

“You have to Steve, it’s the only way.” she said with authority. Ron laughed loudly and Dora glared at him. Steve shook his head.

“Oh mate! If I’d known what the punishment would be I would never have done the crime.” he said miserably.

Dora and Ron watched through the door which they held ajar, as Steve moved unwillingly towards Penelope Pratt’s room. He stood outside and then looked around at them with pleading eyes, hoping for a stay of execution. Dora smiled and urged him on with a nod of her head. Steve looked back, raised his arm and bravely rapped on the door.

““Come into my parlour!” said the spider to the fly.” Ron quoted as Miss Pratt pulled Steve into her room.

Dora looked concerned. “Oh Ron, don’t.” Then she said “Do you think he’ll be alright?”

“What Steve! Yeh, of course he will.”

“Rather him than me though.” he added with a wicked grin.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dora went down in the rather rickety lift to find out its exact destination. She found herself in a dimly lit corridor and all seemed quiet. She walked along as quietly as she could, passing a large laundry and what looked like store rooms, finally arriving at a double door. She pushed the bar and it opened onto the alley she had noticed at the side of the hotel, where all the deliveries were made. Perfect! she thought. This must be the way they brought her in.

Dora grabbed a handful of hay and went into the hallway to check all was clear before Ron led Tilly from the room, then she hung the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door handle, so the chamber maid wouldn’t go in and see the half-cleaned bathroom. The plush carpet in the hallway muffled the sound of Tilly’s hooves as they passed by Miss Pratt’s room. Dora looked at the closed door, which to her horror had the same sign hung on it as she had just put on their room. She felt very guilty and wondered how on earth Steve was coping with his new admirer. They would have to be quick she thought, for Steve’s sake, and she took it on herself to remove the sign as she went by.

As they rounded the corner at the end of the hallway the carpet ended and tiles were in place. The clip clop of Tilly’s hooves sounded loud in the quietness of the early morning. Dora quickly opened the lift door and Ron led her in without any problems. They were lucky that Tilly was so well behaved. She seemed to be enjoying the whole experience, except for the lift when she brayed from the second it started to the minute it stopped. Ron could sympathise with her – lifts and hangovers didn’t go together too well either!

Finally they were in the alley and as far as they knew, nobody had heard or seen them. It wasn’t long before they reached the donkeys’ field and opened the gate for Tilly to rejoin her companions.

“Phew! Now let’s get back and rescue Steve.” said Dora hurriedly. Ron, however, was taking great pleasure from the image of Steve fighting off a sex-starved old crone like Penelope Pratt and was happy to take his time.

When Dora and Ron arrived back to the hotel they were surprised to see Steve in his room. What’s more, he had finished cleaning the bathroom, which was sparkling again and showed no signs of its temporary use as a stable.

“Oh Steve, are you OK?” Dora asked him, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“I’m fine.” He said.

“Tilly’s back safe and sound. Nobody was around. I don’t think they even knew she was gone.” Dora continued.

“Good.” Said Steve.

Ron frowned looking a bit disappointed. “Ere, how come you escaped from the old bat’s room so easily? Didn’t she try it on then?”

“Yeh, she did, several times, but I just told her straight that I was in love with somebody else and I had no interest in her.” Steve said seriously.

Dora smiled sweetly at him. What a lovely thing for him to say she thought, proud that he had spoken about her in that way.

“Cor blimey, I’m surprised she let you off that easy. I wouldn’t have thought she would have worried much about you having another woman.” Said Ron.

“She didn’t.” Replied Steve.

“So she just let you go then, without a fight?” Ron persisted.

“Yep... because I didn’t say it was another woman! Said Steve grinning.

Dora stared at him wide eyed. “So it wasn’t me you were talking about?” she questioned light-heartedly. Steve shook his head, smiling smugly.

Ron was thinking things through until finally the penny dropped and he realised exactly what Steve was saying.

“You mean you and m... me and y...” Ron stuttered, pointing from Steve to himself and vice-versa.

“Yep,” interrupted Steve. “I told her that you and me were together. She couldn’t get me out of her room quick enough.”

After the initial shock, Ron slowly nodded his head and smiled. He was full of admiration for Steve. “I’ve gotta hand it to you Steve mate, that was great thinking.” Then he added “Ere, you don’t think she’ll tell anyone else do ya?”

Steve shrugged. “Doesn’t matter does it, cause we’re going home tomorrow.”

“Come on.” Said Dora, changing the subject. “Let’s go down for breakfast, I’m starving.”

Dora tucked into her cereal, full English and toast and marmalade, all washed down with several cups of tea; the sea air giving her an insatiable appetite. Steve and Ron on the other hand hadn’t much of an appetite due to their over consumption the night before so they stayed behind to shower and freshen-up, ready to enjoy the last day of their holiday.

After their visit to the castle they settled themselves onto the golden sands. Ron had bought a cricket set and he and Steve organised a game, gradually being joined by children and adults from all over the beach. Dora lay on the sand, a huge umbrella shielding her delicate skin from the incessant rays of the beating sun. Her eyes became heavy as she read her book until she finally gave in and closed them, lying her open book face down across her chest. As she rested she listened to the variety of sounds around her. She smiled at the laughing and shouting from the cricket game, able to distinguish Steve and Ron’s voices as they cheered on their particular side or booed the opponents. She could hear the sea’s never-ending pulse and the swishing of the shingle as the waves pushed and pulled it to and from the shore. She could hear seagulls calling overhead and a dog barking close by. In the distance, somewhere behind her, a radio played. A warm, gentle breeze blew across her body and she had relaxed into that semi-conscious state, where she wasn’t quite awake and she wasn’t quite asleep.

Then she was back at Follyfoot, staring up at the stars with Steve by her side. “Stay with me tonight.” She would never forget the way he spoke those words to her. She loved him with all her heart and that was the moment, with those few words, that she knew he loved her too. She remembered how especially beautiful their lovemaking had been that first night. Steve was gentle with her, almost afraid to touch her, but there was no embarrassment, everything was so right, so natural. No other man had ever seen her naked or touched her intimately and no other man ever would she had vowed to herself that night. She was him and he was her – they merged into one. Nobody else would do, nobody else would ever be right. She was his forever, no matter what. He was her destiny.

“Dora.” Steve said quietly. “Dora.” She came around and reluctantly opened her eyes, not wanting to lose her precious thoughts. Steve was sitting next to her.

“What were you dreaming about – something nice I think.” He said. “You had a lovely smile on your face.”

“It was something lovely.” She said, but she didn’t tell him what.

“In that case, I hope it included me.” He said with one of his smiles that lit up the whole of his face.

“I love you.” She whispered. He leaned over and kissed her lips.

Dora sat up. “I’ve been thinking Steve... when we get back home I want to tell uncle about us.”

“What’s brought all this on?” asked Steve.

“Nothing really, I just want him to hear it from us first. Our love is honest and pure; I don’t want something beautiful contaminated by other people.”

Steve loved her way with words. She always seemed to know what to say and how to say it. He put his arm around Dora’s shoulders.

“Well, if it’s any consolation, I hate all the secrets and lies.” Steve said truthfully. “There’s been too many lately, what with one thing and another. We’ll go together and see the Colonel tomorrow.”

Ron couldn’t help overhearing what Dora and Steve had said. He suddenly felt rotten. He had lied and cheated on his friends, including Slugger, and he didn’t feel ‘good’ about it anymore. He chastised himself for his actions. He had been jealous of Steve and Dora’s relationship but only because he knew deep down that Dora would never feel the same about him as she did about Steve. He felt ashamed. He could see how good they were together and how happy Dora was. He knew Steve would look after her.

Ron knew that it was time he came clean too. He decided that when they were with the Colonel tomorrow, he would see Slugger and apologise. But first, he needed to speak with Dora and Steve.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The three friends sat at dinner together in the hotel for the last time. They were enjoying going back over their week’s adventures and they were easy in each other’s company.

“Hey you two.” Ron said. “A toast.” And he lifted his glass. “To my best friends. No, to my family – the only one I’ve ever really had.” He said genuinely. Dora and Steve looked at each other, surprised by his declaration, then they raised their glasses and drank the toast with Ron.

Ron continued, his third glass of wine giving him the courage to speak the words he wanted to say.

“It’s all my fault.” He said gravely. Dora looked at him, her brows knitted together.

“What d’you mean Ron. What’s your fault?” she queried.

“The secrets and lies.” He said reproachfully. Dora looked at him forlornly.

Ron continued “I heard you both talking on the beach today and it got me thinking. If it hadn’t been for me, Sluggs would be here now enjoying himself. I messed up good and proper this time. I lied and cheated on you all and... well... I’m sorry.”

Dora and Steve couldn’t argue with what Ron was saying but they had really enjoyed their holiday with him so Steve tried to make him feel better.

“Look mate, if Sluggs had really wanted to come I think he would have. He’d have done things differently.”

“Yeh,” said Ron, “he’d have told the Colonel and then I would have have dobbed you two in. He wouldn’t have wanted that to happen - I gave him no choice.”

“Ron, why did you do the things you did?” asked Dora, somewhat dejectedly.

Ron looked embarrassed. “Well, if you wanna know, I was jealous... of Steve and you.”

“Oh Ron.” Said Dora warmly.

“I’m over it now though. I know you two are meant to be together, I just didn’t think it would ever happen that’s all. It came as a bit of a shock!”

“It did to us too.” Said Steve.

“You’re definitely not the fastest mover in the world Steve, that’s for sure.” Said Ron laughing. Dora and Steve laughed too.

“Anyway, I’m gonna see Slugger tomorrow and apologise.” Said Ron, feeling much better now that he had ‘confessed’.

“How do you think the Colonel will take it when we tell him Dora?” Steve asked when they were in bed that night.

(Ron had offered to sleep in Dora’s room, partly because he was trying to make amends but mostly because he didn’t want anyone seeing Steve and him sharing the same room, just in case Miss Pratt had spread any rumours.)

Dora looked at Steve’s concerned face. “I don’t know.” She said.

“If he is against it, what happens then?” he continued.

She smiled at him. “Oh Steve, he’ll have to get used to it because nothing and nobody will change how I feel about you.” She rubbed his chest gently and he leaned towards her and kissed her lips.

“You’ll have to tell your parents too you know.” Steve continued.

“You certainly know how to ruin a moment don’t you.” Dora said nonchalantly, the taste of him still on her lips. Steve smiled.

“I’m sorry.” He said, hugging her closer to him. “But no more secrets or lies Dora, please.” He pleaded with her.

Dora snuggled into his arms. She would ring her parents once they had told her uncle. She knew exactly how they would react to her relationship with Steve but it was something they would have to come to terms with and the sooner, the better, as far as she was concerned.

“I’ll ring them tomorrow.” She promised.

Steve took her in his arms, his skilful hands moving keenly over her receptive body. They kissed eagerly, losing themselves in one another once more. Soon, very soon, everybody would know of their new relationship and there would be no more need for secrets and lies.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

linda hayman 2009