I have been invited to post my stories - so I will start posting them. I will start with my most recent story - parts one and two of "The Break-Up." This is a fantasy. I have not broken up with my husband, but the description of him is accurate and this is what I would like to do. Please don't give me marriage advice - but feel free to comment on the story.

 The Break-Up

This story is based in reality, with a fair amount of fantasy thrown in, like my other stories. I am thinking of doing some sequels. I would love to have some feedback!

“We need to talk.” That was all he wrote. Abigail received the email around 2:00 in the afternoon after she returned from her 1:00 seminar class. Dr. Abigail Saunders was a distinguished history professor and had been at this University for her entire career, having accepted an appointment as an Assistant Professor around 25 years ago. Now she was a distinguished full professor. Getting there had not been easy. But 25 years was a milestone for her personally as well. Abi and her husband Greg had gotten married that summer before they both started their new jobs at the university. She met Greg in high school actually but it was in grad school where they had really fallen for each other. But now he had become the chair of her department, and consequently her boss. That was awkward. This email was from him. She looked at it with annoyance and anger. “What the hell is this all about?” She said aloud. “Talk about what, damn it!” She figured it would not be about university stuff, after all he had the annoying practice of sending her orders when it was about university matters. This was about their marriage.

Or non-marriage, as it were. Despite their 25 years their marriage was in trouble. They had only the bare threads of a friendship left, not to mention no passion or intimacy. Greg had been so supportive, and so sexually creative, passionate, giving and dominant at first. He had been everything that Abi craved and loved. For 15 years they had, what Abi thought, was a perfect marriage. They had 4 wonderful children together and they had maintained their passion and creativity through it all. Greg and Abi were open and on occasion this openness extended to special friends.  Greg had even introduced his wife to AOL, giving her one of those free disks one Christmas which led to Abi discovering online sex in the 90’s. And Greg had participated with her in some unique and rather kinky ways. It had been so much fun. They had had some wonderfully sensual and exciting adventures together.

But something had happened. Greg’s mother died about 10 years ago and suddenly he changed. His grief and loss turned pathological and he withdrew from the family, from their friends and especially from his wife, Abigail. She had tried to be present, to be understanding, to be patient, but nothing worked. He became demanding, demeaning and sometimes plain cruel, bringing her to tears more than once with verbal abuse. He even started talking about her behind her back to the point where the Dean, Dr. Margaret Copley, had to intervene and tell him to knock it off, that it was unprofessional and unbecoming and would not be tolerated. This only helped at work, at home it made things worse. The children noticed and distanced themselves from him as well. There had been some major fights, and through it all, despite the typical strains that mothers have with their teenage children, especially daughter, Abi was hearted to see her kids start to stand up to him on her behalf.  For her part, Abi took refuge in her work, agreeing to participate in a couple major research projects that would require extensive travel. When Greg, as her department chair refused to support her, she went over his head to Dr. Copley who approved her leaves and grant requests enthusiastically. This had only worsened their relationship. She also took refuge in her online life that had started with Greg. She created a new screen name, that he didn’t know and spent hours developing her online personality.  In fact, she became obsessed with “Karen.” Abi poured all of her loneliness and sexual frustration into “Karen” who became the sexual submissive slut Abigail was deep down and had been with Greg before. In the guise of her new personality she chatted, she role-played, she posted naked photos (with no face of course), she even cammed. The only thing she didn’t do was meet people for real, despite the myriad numbers of offers. Greg knew this was going on. He would interrupt her and when she opened her locked office door he would always make a face like he was smelling a dead rat. She knew it was her sexual desire he was smelling. She was also not shy about wandering through the house naked, even when the kids where home.  They didn’t mind but Greg, who had always loved it before, now became judgmental and harsh, calling attention to her body flaws like her saggy boobs and ass and her hairy pussy and thick thighs. She tried to ignore this, but it hurt her deeply when he said things like this to her and she just immersed herself even more deeply in her escapes. Of course, time moves on and now there was no more AOL since they had discontinued chat. Abi had subsequently moved on to other sites as well. It took a lot of her time, in fact very often she spent all of her home time locked in her study. She would come home, grab something simple from the fridge, head up to her study, strip off her clothes and log in. She even played at work, but not often, only if she was in the middle of something she wanted to stay on top of. But over the years she had played at work too, in ways that might have gotten her in trouble had she been caught. The fact was, she had a hard time balancing her professional life with her online life. And it had all started with Greg’s shutting her out of his life.

And now this cryptic message, “He wants to talk with me, finally after 10 years.” She typed a response, “Whatever! I’ll be home around 7:00 tonight. It can wait until then.” She hit send. She waited, and doubled checked as she continued her work. No response. “Fine!”

Around 6:30 she checked again. Nothing! She closed down her laptop and packed up her things and turned out the light in her office and headed home. As she walked across campus in the dusk she paused and looked at her building, the building where both she and Greg had their offices. She felt a wave of sadness followed by a wave of fear and suddenly felt like she was going to cry. But she took a deep breath and continued her walk to her car and then drove home.

She pulled her little Fiat into the garage and turned off the car and closed the door. She sat in the darkness for a bit. “Why does life have to be like this? Why am I scared to go in?” She took another deep breath, left her computer in the car and walked through the kitchen and straight into the living room. Greg was sitting in “his chair” reading when she walked in.  She stopped and stood and looked at him. He had changed from his professional attire to slacks and a shirt. Abi was still dressed from school, wearing her customary suit with a pair of slacks and a light sweater, over it she had her long light autumn jacket.  She stood in silence for about 5 minutes with Greg never acknowledging her presence. “I thought you wanted to talk,” she said coldly.  He put down his book and looked at her. He had pain in his eyes. “Please sit down.” He said softly. She sat on the edge of the couch with her jacket on. “Maybe you might be more comfortable if you take off the jacket.” He said without emotion. Abi paused and then stood and removed it and draped it over the back of the couch. Even at the age of 48 she was a strikingly beautiful woman. Her 38d breasts filled out her sweater and she was still relatively sleek. In truth she had started to sag as she got older but her clothing did not reveal this.

“So, what is up?” She said as she sat down. Greg took a deep breath. “I don’t think this marriage is working for me.” Abi raised her eyebrows and felt the fear begin to be replaced by anger. “For you?” She repeated. “It hasn’t been working for a while. You are preoccupied with your work and your… play (he made it sound revolting) and have no time for this family at all.”

“Now, hold on a minute,” She was angry and she stood, “Who was it that withdrew from the family, who has been distant and completely unloving for 10 fucking years.” 

“My mother died! It wasn’t my fault!”

“Shit!” Abi spat out. “I tried and I tried to reach out to you, to make myself available to you and you have treated me like shit! Like shit! You are mean and cruel to me and to the children. My work and play is the way I cope with living with you! So don’t give me any of your self-righteous crap!”

Greg paused, “Ok, there is no sense in reviewing all of this. Here is the bottom line. I think we should not be together anymore.”

Abi was stunned. Not surprised. He was right, they shouldn’t be together anymore, even their children felt that way. Abi sat and sighed fighting back her tears, “Ok, maybe you are right. I don’t suppose you want to go to get counseling to try to fix our marriage?”

“No, I don’t!” He answered forcefully, almost angrily at the suggestion.

“I’m only asking. So since youhave come to this decision, how do you want this to proceed?”

“Well,” He shifted nervously. “You know we have a big house and you have the entire upstairs and I have the entire downstairs. There is no reason why you can’t continue to live here. Actually, I would kind of like it if you stayed.”

“Why, so I would continue to do the washing and the cleaning and the cooking for you?  What a deal for me!”

“It is only a suggestion, I am trying to make this easier for you. Since, also, well… I need to tell you something else.”

Abi raised her eyebrows, “Go on!”

“Abi, I am gay and Mark is going to move in here with me.”

Abi’s mouth dropped open. She had suspected he was having relationships with guys. She didn’t really care after all she had had relationships with women and considered herself bi. She had kind of assumed Greg was bi also, but how could he say he was gay after 25 years of marriage and 4 children?” “Ah…” She let it sink in.

“When did you start thinking you were gay?” She said softly.

“I guess about 8 or 9 years ago. I started to go to gay websites and then to gay bars when you were out of town. Then I met Mark and we, well we have fallen in love.”

“Congratulations!” She said that without any emotion.

“No need to be mean.”

“I’m not and don’t lecture me on being mean!” She stood, “So,” Trying to come to some understanding of what he had just told her, “All this time you have been emotionally distant to me it was because you were putting all of your emotional energy into this secret relationship.”

“You did the same thing.” He said defensively.

“No! No I didn’t! I tried and tried to reach out to you for years. I invited you to play with me like we used to. I invited you to play with me online. I tried every damn thing I could think of. Finally I gave up, weary from all the wasted effort, but I never expended a drop of emotional energy on my online play. It was all about the sex. I never had a secret loving relationship. It was you that I loved and you that I wanted to give myself to. I would have done anything for you. I would have given you my body and my soul.” A wave of tears swept over her, but she was resolved not to cry in front of him.

“All those times when I would go up to your study and open the door and it would smell and stink, you are telling me there was nothing going on. I know better, you were playing with yourself that is why is stunk so bad.”

“I am not going to defend myself to you. I never had a serious loving relationship with anyone but you. Did I masturbate out of loneliness and frustration? Yes I did. Sorry, the smell of my body offended you.”

“Well, that is just it.” He got up from his chair and walked over to her. “I don’t know how to describe this feeling that came over me. It was weird but I got so I just couldn’t stand your pussy. I hated the smell especially. I could even smell it when you were dressed at school. Your cunt, your vagina began to disgust me. I just could not stand the idea of being anywhere near your vagina.”

Abi stared at him with disgust for the first time, “What?”

“I loved you, but I’m sorry I don’t like your vagina! I don’t like your body! It turns me off, it repulses me. Why couldn’t you have used some product to make it smell nice? But no, you always smell like a can of rotting tuna fish.”

Abi turned red and backed up away from him. She reached over and grabbed her jacket. “I can’t believe you just said that to me!” My body is a part of who I am. My vagina is a part of who I am. How the hell can you say you love me, but are repulsed by my vagina? You bastard! And for the record, my vagina is perfectly normal and doesn’t need perfume or other weird stuff so you will like it better. That stuff is not healthy. God why am I even talking with you about this? How could you say that to me the mother of your children, who all came through my vagina, by the way!” Abi began to flail around the room, while Greg backed into a corner. “You have two sons and two daughters and guess what your daughters have vaginas too! Shall I warn them to stay away from you lest you be offended by your own daughters? Oh, and your beloved mother had one, in fact you began  your entire miserable life by coming through one.” Abi let out a primal scream! “I cannot believe you said that! It is one thing to say you are gay, I don’t care about that. But to say you love me and hate my vagina…. You know what that tells me about you? It tells me that you are incapable of seeing a woman as a whole human being. She is just a bunch of parts to you.  Parts to smell and play with, parts to enjoy or to criticize and despise. For you a woman – me – I am not a whole human being.” Abi pulled on her jacket, “Have a nice life you bastard.” And with that she walked out of the living room towards the garage.

“Wait, where are you going.” He followed her.

“Not your concern. I am taking my stinky vagina away from you forever, asshole!” She slammed the door as she walked from the kitchen into the garage. She got into her car and opened the garage door.

Greg ran out into the driveway blocking her way. “You have completely misunderstood me, as usual.”

She jumped out of the car, “Shut the fuck up and get out of my way or so help me god I will run you over!” And with that she got back in her car and revved the engine. He moved out of the way.

Now what? It was almost 9:30 and she hadn’t eaten since lunch. She was still filled with rage and anger and deep hurt. She drove around town a bit and finally decided she would drive back to campus and go to the Union. There would be a little food in the cafeteria and, most importantly, there was coffee. She wasn’t sure she was hungry, but she knew should try to eat something. And then what? Where would she go tonight? Tomorrow? She felt like everything was falling part and her life was in ruins like the ones she studied in ancient Rome and Greece.

There were a few students milling around as she walked through campus. A few greeted her and she forced herself to smile and acknowledge them. She knew she did not want to take out her anger and hurt on her innocent students. She walked into the Union and went into the cafeteria as her phone buzzed.  It was Greg! She shut her phone off completely and went to see what was available. There were a few things to eat, mostly finger food and pretty picked over. But she got herself some pretzels and trail mix, a few vegetables and also she got herself a large cup of coffee, fully caffeinated, and sat in the far corner of the dining hall away from everyone. She pulled her coat around her, took a sip of her coffee and suddenly the dam broke and she burst into tears. She started to sob and sob and sob. She put her face in her hands and tried not to be too loud.  She tried to control herself, nibbling a little on the food, but she simply couldn’t stop crying. Finally she put her head down on the table and just let herself cry and sob.

After a little while she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. She looked up and through her tears she saw it was Emily Peterson, a Doctoral Fellow in the History department. Emily was a star, exceptionally smart and studious. She was a little punk in her attire and tastes, but she was also very driven having earned herself a Doctorate in Psychology before doing post-doctoral work in history. Abi had not had very much contact with besides meeting her a couple times at social gatherings. “Are you ok Dr. Saunders?” she said gently. Emily slipped into the chair next to her and pulled it up close. Abi tried to speak, but another wave of sobbing swept over her. Emily took her in her arms and held her as she cried rocking her gently and patting her back like a mother with a small child. Slowly, the intense emotion began to subside and she lifted her self up and began to fumble around in her purse for a Kleenex. Abi was trembling badly and her sight was clouded by the tears.  Emily pulled a small packet out and handed it to her and put her hand over Abi’s.  Abi took a deep breath and wiped her face then she whispered, “Let me go to the ladies room, I’ll be right back.” Emily nodded.

Abi went into the ladies room and into a stall.  She opened her slacks and pulled them down and looked down at her pussy. “Greg hates you! He hates you! He thinks you are repulsive and stinky!” She ran her hand through her bush, “But I don’t! I love you.” She giggled and rubbed her hand over her mound and then sat and peed. Then she wiped herself, fastened her slacks, washed her hands and face and returned to the table.

Emily was still at her table.  She was such a pretty young woman, petite, with dark short hair died with purple streaks. She wore glasses and he clothing was torn jeans and a t-shirt, no bra though she hardly needed one as she was very small. Over it all she wore a very used and obviously much beloved leather jacket. “I’m sorry,” Abi said as she approached the table.” Emily smiled, “For what? You don’t have to apologize to me. Do you want to talk about it? What happened?” Abi shook her head no, but then looked at the young woman and tears flooded her eyes again and she changed her head shaking from no to yes.

“Greg, Dr. Saunders, my husband told me he wants a separation.” 

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok, it’s been coming for a long time. It is for the best. But he was so cruel and weird about it.”

“How so?” Emily said softly. Abi suddenly had a desire to let it all out.

“We can’t talk here. Would you come with me? I think I’d like to go to Battery Park down by the river and take a walk.”

“Is it open at night?”

“Yes, I go there often and it is open all night and usually pretty deserted.”

Emily smiled, “I’m game.”

Shortly they were outside walking towards Abi’s car. Emily walked close and held her hand and Abi began to recount the story of their relationship. It was like a dam had burst, aided by the fact that Dr. Emily Peterson was a licensed psychologist and knew exactly how to gently encourage her to share with jus the right questions. So, Abi recounted how she and Greg met when they were young, how sexual they were with each other even at the beginning, how open they were and became, how they had shared partners, how she knew that Greg was probably at least bi, but how she had no idea how he really felt about her. Then she told Emily the sad story of the last 10 years and how Abi had taken refuge in her research and online sex, even though she had an old friend, Cathy, who she had visited a couple times and with who she was intimate. Abi had never talked about any of this with anyone before. Emily was particularly interested in the revelation that Abi was an experience bi submissive and Emily confessed that she was a lesbian with dominant tendencies.

By this time they had arrived at the Park. It was indeed deserted. Abi parked the car and they got out and started to walk along the river. Abi then finished the story by recounting the argument / discussion she had had with her husband earlier in the evening. “You won’t believe what he told me. He told me first that he wanted me to continue to live in the house with him.” Emily looked at her and shook her head. “And then, get this, he told me he hated my vagina; oh, but he loved me. So I guess he wants me to live there but my vagina will have to move out!” Emily put her hand to her mouth and took in a sharp surprised breath. “He actually told you that?” 

“Yes, he thinks my vagina is repulsive. That was the word he used, “repulsive and stinky” Oh, but he lovesme. And, by the way his lover Mark is moving in so they can get together more easily to suck each other’s cocks!” Abi was bitter.

“Unbelievable,” Emily whispered. “You know I have had some contact with him, but I have tried to keep it to a minimum as it was obvious to me from the beginning that Greg had problems with women and was inclined to be abusive.

“Abusive.” Abi let the word hang in the air. “Yes, you’re right he is. I always though it was him being “Dominant.” But it isn’t and it never was, his version of dominance was just abuse.”

“I have seen a lot of women and couples that get that mixed up. True dominance in D/S play is at its core very loving and very respectful.  It is not about giving orders and forcing, and most certainly not about physical abuse.”

“As I left I told him, that as a human being I was a whole person. My body and my spirit, my mind and my vagina were all a part of a whole and that he obviously had a problem seeing women as more than their body parts.”

“Good for you! But he doesn’t get that! Did that come to you during the argument?”

“Yes, it just came out!”

“I think it was an important insight for you Abi. You can move beyond him and be your own person. But it is ok for you to grieve. After all you have had 25 plus years and 4 beautiful children.”

Abi started to tear up again. “But now, what?” Abi sighed as a way to push the tears back. “Maybe I should call the kids.” She turned her phone back on. “Hey look at that, I have 12 messages from Greg,” and just then the phone buzzed again. “Shit, it is Greg! What should I do.” Emily looked at her and motioned for her to answer. Abi pushed the button on the phone and put it in speaker mode. “What?”

“Where are you?” The voice came from the phone.

“Why do you care?”

“I told you I loved you, I still care about you even when you are being crazy!”

She and Emily looked at each other.

“Yes, well, that’s right. I am being crazy. It is my nature after all. But do you know what I am doing for real? Well, I’ll tell you. I am walking around at the park in the dark and you know what else? Hold on…” She handed the phone to Emily and quickly pulled off her jacket and threw it on the ground and then she undid her slacks and pulled her slacks and panties down to her knees exposing her pussy to the cool air.” Emily’s eyes went big, “You know what else, Greg, I am nursing my vagina. I have my pants and panties off and I am walking around the park bottomless so I can soothe my poor insulted, stinky pussy and celebrate that I have one. And not only that but guess what, it is wet!” Abi pushed a finger between her labia and into her vagina and brought out her finger and smelled it and then sucked her finger loudly. “It is so nice, it smells and tastes so nice.”

“You have exposed yourself in public, are you crazy? Are you drunk?”

“Drunk? On caffeine maybe, you know I don’t drink alcohol you ass!”

“Did you think about the effect that would have on ourcareers if you get caught.”

Abi laughed. “On your career. (In the voice of a newscaster) Distinguished professor found playing with her naked pussy in park, blames her break down on her husband, Dr. Gregory T. Saunders.”

“Abi, look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it the way you took it. I’m sorry, I was just trying to be honest. The smell and taste have become stronger as you have gotten older and I don’t like them and then… well… look, the truth is that whenever I was inside of you I always felt like I am loosing myself. I feel like your vagina is going to swallow my cock whole.”

Emily put her hand to her mouth to keep from reacting. Wide-eyed she shook her head. “And his manhood!” She whispered!

“Well, you never have to worry about that again now do you Greg?”

Abi pushed her finger back down through her bush and between her labia. Emily watched her intently and then walked over to her and began to kiss her neck. Slowly Emily moved her hand to Abi’s ass and then to her thighs moving up between her legs. Their fingers intertwined as they both explored Abi’s pussy. Abi moaned, “there are some nice homeless people here who are really enjoying my pussy, Greg!”

“Well, you need to come home. Now!”

Feeling a bit breathless, Abi finally said, “Look, I am never coming home to you again. It is over, just like you wanted.”

Emily now took over fingering Abi and gently toying with her clitoris.

“I will call the police!”

“Fuck you! Go ahead! Tomorrow while you are at work I will be moving some of my things out.  And listen, you need to call the kids and tell them that you ended the marriage, and if you lie I will tell them everything. And by the way, I never want to see you again.”

“What about work?”

“I don’t know, maybe I’ll quit.”

“Abigail! Please…”

“Fuck you asshole. Now I’m sure you don’t want to listen to my vagina have an orgasm so I am hanging up now. Don’t call back!”

She hung up the phone and dropped it in her purse. Immediately Emily kissed her deeply. Abi started to cry again. But they stood there, Abi with her slacks and panties around her ankles, with her hairy pussy completely exposed standing by the river making out with Emily as Emily continued to toy with her body. Then Emily did something that surprised Abi.  She pulled away and undid her own jeans which she pulled along with her lace thong down to her ankles like Abi. They then embraced and locked themselves in a deep kiss their legs and thighs intertwined and Abi hairy bush rubbing against Emily’s shaved mound.

Breathless, Abi pulled away slightly and then sat down on her jacket. She pulled off her shoes and her slacks and panties. “There!”

Emily sat next to her and did the same and took off her jacket and they fell into each other’s arms kissing deeply and exploring each other’s bodies with their hands. Emily had undone Abi’s blouse and bra and Abi removed Emily’s t-shirt. Both women were naked on the coat hugging and kissing and caressing each other. Slowly Emily moved down Abi’s body and positioned herself between her legs and began to gently kiss her labia. Slowly she pulled the labia apart to reveal Abi’s beautiful clitoris. Emily kissed it gently and flicked it with her tongue. “You have an amazingly beautiful cunt Dr. Saunders.” Abi lay back with her legs spread, “Call me Abi!”

And with that Emily began to lick and suck Abi’s clit and pushed two fingers deep inside of her. Abi was moaning and whimpering and it was not long before she felt the waves of the sweetest orgasm wash over her body. She started to cry again and pushed Emily back and began to explore Emily’s small breasts and shaved cunt. Abi sucked on Emily breasts and fingered her before moving her mouth to her pussy and sucking on her clit. Soon Emily came loudly. The two women held each other for a little while rocking each other and gently nibbling on their necks and face.

“Maybe I should drive you home? It is late my darling friend! I wasn’t expecting this but it was nice.” Abi suddenly felt a little ashamed. “I’m embarrassed that I was so kind of perverted, taking my pants down in front of you and all.  I probably shouldn’t have been so kinky and impetuous.”

Emily smiled, “I loved it… it was what we both needed.”

Abi was up picking up her clothes and put on her jacket as did Emily and the two women walked bottomless to the car.

“Tell me where you live and I’ll drop you off.” Abi said as she started the car.

“Ok, but what are you going to do? You can’t go home.”

Abi pulled out of the parking lot and headed back towards campus. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll get a hotel room for tonight.”

“No, you can stay with me! I have a queen size bed and you can sleep with me and then tomorrow I’ll help you figure out what to do.”

Abi was in no mood to argue as she had no other options.

“That is sweet, are you sure it is ok with your roommate?”

“She is cool.”

They pulled up to the apartment. It was now 3:00 in the morning and everything was deserted. “Should we get dressed first?”

“Nah, come on. We can get in without being seen.”

Leaving the car parked on the street, Abi and Emily arm in arm and bottomless went into Emily’s apartment and collapsed on the bed and fell fast asleep!

The Break-Up – Part #2 “The Next Day”

I have been encouraged to continue the story. Here is part two and there is at least one more to follow. This story is mostly narrative, not much sex – sorry – but I need the narrative to set up the third part and I wanted to make “Abigail” deeper and more mutil-dimensional, and hopefully more interesting and sympathetic. I hope you all enjoy. This story is part #2 and follows the events in “The Break-Up.” You should read that story first, even though I have tried to fill in a few details. Lastly, at the end I reference two musical selections that are both easily available on YouTube. I encourage you, my dear readers, to call up the selections (put in the first few Italian words) and listen. This music goes a long way to defining the heroine of my stories. I enjoy comments and also welcome suggestions and story ideas.

Abi stirred, rolled over and opened her eyes. Where was she? She looked around at the strange room. Slowly the memory of the events of the previous evening came back to her. She sat up. She was still naked from the waist down but was wearing an open blouse and her jacket. She had obviously simply dropped into the bed and fallen asleep immediately. 

She listened. All was quiet. 

She looked around. She was alone. At least it seemed that way.

She got up and walked into the hall and stopped to listen. Still nothing. She saw the bathroom door open, went inside and sat down on the toilet. She had to pee badly. As she sat there she thought of Greg, their fight and her walking out promising never to return, Emily, the park. The park!!! “Shit!” She shook her head; did she really do that in the park last night? Did they really make love? She finished. Took some toilet paper in her hand and wiped herself then flushed the toilet. Wandering back into the room she noticed her skirt and panties and purse all in a pile on the floor. “What time is it?” She picked up her purse and pulled out her cell phone: 10:52 AM.  “Shit, I have a seminar class to teach at 9:00!”  She sighed and flopped back on the bed. “Too late to worry about that!”  Rolling over onto her back she looked at her phone again.  

There were several voice mail messages: a couple from Greg (delete-delete-delete); one from the department secretary:

Good morning Professor Saunders this is Becky, just wanted to let you know that we cancelled your seminar for this morning and will cancel your class this afternoon. Dr. Greg told us you were sick and we also got a call from a friend of yours. Call when you feel better and let me know what you want to do with Friday’s classes. Hope you feel better soon.”  “Ok, good,” She thought.

Next - from her daughter Katie:

“Hey mom, hope you’re ok. Dad sent out a frantic email late last night that I got early this morning. He said it is finally over between you two and you had gone off the deep end. (She laughed) I told him to chill out and leave you alone. I won’t say I’m sorry, but I will say it’s about time. Anyway, we just want to know you are ok. But why don’t you text me and maybe you would like meet Janie and me for lunch. Ok, text me. We love you, bye.” It was nice to hear her daughter’s sweet, happy voice. 

She went to the messaging app to reply and noticed a text from Emily, “Hey, you were sleeping soundly when I left. I have stuff to do all day, but make yourself at home. You can stay as long as you want. Oh, I called your department and told them you were sick and wouldn’t be in today, but you should call. Let’s meet for supper around 6:00 somewhere.  Text me a place. (heart emoji)”  Abi thought for a minute and responded, “Thanks so much Emily. How about we meet at TGI Friday’s. See you at 6:00! (return heart emoji)”  Then to Katie, “Hi, just woke up. Had a hard night as you know. It’s 11 now, I’ll meet you at 1:00 at Panera’s. Love you…”

Lastly, she called her department, “Hi Becky, this is Abi. Sorry, I’m calling so late in the morning, Thanks for cancelling everything for today and I want to cancel for tomorrow too. But I’m fine and I’ll be in next week.” 

Becky lowered her voice to a whisper, “Abi, I know that something happened between you a Greg. He has been in a state today. He’s locked himself in his office and we haven’t seen him at all. He told me you wouldn’t be in and then some woman named Emily called, but we have everything handled here.” Abi reacted a little defensively, “Emily… Emily’s a friend. But thanks for doing that.” 

“Sorry to hear that things have fallen apart for you guys, but I’m not surprised.” 

Abi sighed, “That’s what my daughter said. Anyway, I’ll be back next week. Thanks.” 

One more call to Dean Copley’s office, “Hi good morning, this is Professor Abi Saunders, does Dean Copley have any time later today for me to stop by to see her. 15 minutes is all that I need.” The secretary put her on hold and then came back with a time – 4:30. “Great, I’ll be by then.” Abi disconnected, pulled herself out of the bed that was really only a queen size mattress on the floor and picked up her clothes and laid them out neatly on the bed. Then she removed the jacket she had slept in and lay it on the bed as well. Wearing only an unbuttoned white silk blouse she walked down the hall past the bathroom, past another empty but lived in bedroom and into a large living space with a couple couches and a TV, then through the living space into the kitchen. 

“Hi!” A young woman was sitting at the kitchen table with her laptop open. Startled, Abi blushed, ”Ahhh sorry, I didn’t know anyone was here. It was so quiet.” She pulled her blouse closed in embarrassment. The young woman smiled, “No problem, we all are pretty open around here. Feel free to walk around naked whenever you want.” She smiled and got up from the table extending her hand. “You must be Professor Abi Saunders. Emily told me you would be staying a little while.” It seemed odd to Abi to be addressed by her formal title while she was standing nearly naked in a strange kitchen, “Ah… call me Abi. Yeah, Emily let me stay last night. I had a bit of a personal crisis. She was very kind to me.”  Abi took her hand and smiled, letting go of her blouse.

“No problem. There is an empty room with a bed on the other side of the kitchen that you might find more comfortable than Emily’s room. Feel fee to move in for a while.  And by the way, I’m Rachel. I’m a grad student in the math department.” Abi wandered over and looked into the room. It was small but had a single bed, a desk and a dresser. Abi smiled, “So nice to meet you Rachel, thanks so much for your kindness. This room will work fine for a little while.” Rachel was slightly taller than Abi and pretty slender. Her hair was cut very short with green streaks. Rachel also had fairly large breasts that were completely covered by the sweatshirt she was wearing. She also seemed a bit more severe and organized than Emily. “Is… ah… Is there coffee?” Abi asked finally. “Up in that cabinet there and the coffee maker is over on that counter. Milk in the fridge – 1%, hope that is ok.” “Sure that’s fine.” Abi said as she started to pull things out and make herself some coffee. “I would expect to help pay expenses if I stay for a while.” Rachel shrugged, “Sure, whatever, we can work that out later.” She smiled and packed up her computer. “I have class. By the way, do you need to borrow any clothing?” Abi blushed, “Well, I have what I was wearing yesterday… ah in the room.” “I’m probably closer to your size than Emily is, so if you need anything just go into the closet and take it.” Abi smiled, thanked her and she was gone. “Well,” she said out loud as she poured her coffee and put milk and honey into it, “At least there are no secrets! Both of my new roommates have seen me naked all ready!”

Abi’s phone buzzed with a text from Katie, “Mom, Panera’s is too crowded. Meet us at Iron Hill at 1:00.”  Abi sent a thumbs up. “Iron Hill?” She wondered, “Why such a pricey little place for lunch?” There was also a text from Emily confirming 6:00 at TGI and telling her where to find an extra key. 

Back into the bedroom she dressed in her clothes from the day before, donned the jacket after smoothing out the wrinkles, put on her sunglasses and she was out the door and into her car. It was only 11:30, so she decided to head over to the house and pack a couple suitcases, which she could bring back to the house after lunch.

+++

Katie waved as Abi came into the restaurant. Removing her sunglasses she walked up to the booth and gave both of her girls long hugs. “Hey mom, nice to see you. You doing ok?” 

“I’m fine.”

“You sure?” Asked the younger one, Janie.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It wasn’t really unexpected.”

Abi slid into the booth on one side across from the girls.

Abi and Greg had had 4 children: 2 boys – Rob 27 and Will, 22; and two girls – Katie 25 and Janie 24. The four kids were all very different from one another. Will was the quietest and gentlest of the 4. He was bi-sexual and perhaps the one of her children that was the most like her. Rob was typically masculine, and reminded Abi of her stepbrother, Trevor. The girls Katie and Janie were both an interesting contrast with each other. Katie was very girly whereas Janie had always been rougher, physical and boyish, she was perhaps a bit more like her father. On this day Janie was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, no bra and a jacket while Katie had on a cute colorful top over a pair of tight spandex leggings. 

“So, what happened?” Katie said after they asked the hostess to get them some drinks: sodas for the girls and Perrier for Abi.

“What did your dad tell you?”

“Janie answered, “Not much. You guys had a fight and you walked out.”

“That’s all he said?” The girls shook their heads.

“There was more to it than that, but I’m not going to go into all the gory details. Suffice it to say he told me our marriage was over, that he had decided he was gay and had a relationship with some guy named Mark who was going to be moving in, but that I could stay in the house if I wanted.” She took a sip of her water that had just been delivered. “I did not react well.”

She and the girls all looked up at the waiter who was hovering by the table. 

“Hey Tyler!” Said Katie with a suddenly flirty voice.

“Ladies!” Tyler said, very professionally.  Tyler was an old friend of Rob’s. They had been friends since kindergarten. Abi knew that Rob and Tyler together had gotten into a lot of mischief over the years as kids, including participating and hosting some pretty wild parties in high school and college. What’s more Abi knew that he was close friends with all of her children. The one thing Abi remembered about Tyler was how he and Rob used to try to peek at her when she was showering and dressing!

“What a surprise,” Abi said looking up at him and smiling, “It is nice to see you again Tyler. What are you doing with yourself these days?”

“Dr. Saunders it is very nice to see you too.” He took her hand and gently squeezed it. “I am working at my dad’s bike shop mostly, but I needed to make some extra money so I took this job. So what can I get you ladies to start out with?”

His smile was infectious. Katie was flustered, Janie was amused, Abi mused to herself that Tyler had grown into a very handsome and sexy young man.

After ordering Abi returned to the conversation, “Your dad was really rather horrible in his comments to me. And I wasn’t about to stay so I could be their live-in maid. He was not happy about that. I told him what I thought and then walked out.”

“You did the right thing Mom,” said Janie. Katie was distracted but shook her head in agreement.

“Did you guys know about Mark?” Abi asked.

The girls looked at each other, “Yeah,” Said Janie, “Mark Hathaway. He’s a vet. They have been seeing each other for a while.”

“Wait, A vet? Is he the vet who I have been taking Hephaestus to?” That was Abi’s beloved rather elderly cat. “What a bastard!” She said to herself.

“We told him to tell you,” added Katie quickly.

“But we didn’t think it was our place to tell you about their relationship,” said Janie sheepishly.

Abi sighed, “It wasn’t. And frankly I don’t care that he was seeing this guy but I am a little hurt at the deception. And on top of that, the things he said…” Her voice trailed off, she felt tears welling up in her eyes.

“What did he say to you, mom?” Janie asked.

Abi shook her head and forced back the tears. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter. He is your dad. I won’t speak badly about him. He doesn’t understand women, but he loves you guys in his own weird kind of way, so let’s leave it at that.”

The girls nodded, “Ok, but what did you do after you left and where did you stay last night?” “And what are you going to do?” They asked as Tyler brought their food.

“If you need anything…” he said as he placed the plates on the table.

“Anything?” Said Katie with a twinkle and a wink. Tyler took it in stride and laughed as he walked away.

“Oh god, Katie you are impossible! Thinking with your cunt again!” Janie snapped. Katie blushed.

“Janie! Don’t talk like that! Come on focus girls!” Said Abi, “Last night… Well, it was all such a shock. I wandered around for a while and then went over to the Union and ran into a…. ah … a friend.”

“A friend?”

“Mother, you don’t have any friends.”

“Well, except for Celeste Howard,” Katie giggled.

“Stop it, I do too have friends!” Abi snapped, a little defensively. Celeste was an old friend and her lover and sometimes mistress. Abi had known and loved Celeste for years, “Celeste is busy caregiving her sick husband right now. I haven’t seen her for months.” Though they regularly exchange texts and messages.

“Who is the friend?” Janie asked.

“Emily Petersen is a post-doctoral fellow in the history department. She is also a licensed psychologist.”

“That’s convenient,” said Katie as an aside.

“I ran into her at the Union. She was very kind and offered to let me stay with her and her roommate for a few days. That’s all.”

“That’s all? She isn’t a secret lover is she mom?” Asked Katie suspiciously.

Abi blushed.

“She is!” exclaimed Janie, “You aresleeping with her. Your involuntary blush gave you away.”

“You girls are terrible.  She was very kind to me. That is all I will say.” Abi was feeling defensive again.

“We aren’t judging you, mom, everyone needs a lover especially in difficult times.” said Katie.

“And Katie always has several at any given time,” added Janie with a laugh. Katie turned and playfully hit her sister on the shoulder, “Stop it, I do not!”

“Mom, really, we’re happy for you. No matter what the arrangements are.”

“Arrangements, there are no arrangements! Look, I want to make this clear. I only knew her by sight until last night. She kindly reached out to me when I was feeling pretty low and then we spent some time together and I ended up staying with her last night. We do not have any kind of long-term relationship going on. We are just friends!”

“With benefits…” added Katie with a twinkle in her eye.

“You girls have your minds in the gutter. All you can think about is sex. For heaven’s sake! Katie you are so obvious with Tyler it is almost embarrassing.”

“The apple didn’t fall far from the tree mom,” said Janie quickly.

“Yeah, like mother like daughters,” Katie added, emphasizing the “s” and looking at Janie who made a face.

“Well there is nothing long term between me and Emily and I will probably only be staying at her house for a couple weeks.  Then who knows.”?

Just then Tyler came up to the table.

“You ladies need anything… ah, I mean, right here and now?” He said with a twinkle in his eye. “By the way Dr. Saunders, Rob told me about you and your husband. I’m sorry, but maybe it’s for the best. If there is anything I can do.”

Abi blushed. “Thank you Tyler, that is very sweet.”

The girls noticed Abi’s embarrassment and looked at each other. Abi asked for the check and Tyler turned and walked to the waiter’s station.

All three women watched him walk away, “There you go mom,” said Katie, “That is what you need after you get settled.”

“What?” Abi asked confused.

“Tyler!” said Katie.

“What?!!?” Abi was bemused and a little embarrassed.

“Look mom, you have known him, like forever and he has always had the hots for you. He could help you adjustto single life.” Katie was relentless.

“The last thing I want now is a relationship with a man, especially one young enough to be my son.”

“But,” said Janie, “He is so cute. And he is a wonderful and attentive lover from what I hear.”

“Plus, he is very big!” Katie said softly.

“How do you know? Is that reputation or personal experience?”

“Personal experience!” Janie said with a laugh. “Katie has had some serious personal experiences with Tyler, right Katherine Marie?”

Katie blushed, “He is sweet and kind and attentive and goes out of his way to make you feel, well special and pampered, and he is … well…. Very filling.”

“Filling…” Said Janie laughing, “That is what you need to reacquaint yourself with men, mom. One who pays attention to what you want and need for a change.”

“Ok, enough of this silly talk. I’m not going to fuck Tyler.”

Tyler had returned with the check and Abi just then noticed him standing by the table. She blushed and he smiled. Picking up the empty plates he walked away without saying anything. “You girls made me embarrass myself.” The girls had started to giggle at their mother’s discomfort. “Just think about it. We can arrange it.” Abi shook her head and signed the check leaving a large tip. 

As the girls headed for the door Katie stopped and gave Tyler a little kiss on the cheek and whispered in his ear. Abi stood, took a last drink of water and put on her jacket, Tyler stepped up and took her by the hand and kissed it. “I was serious. AnythingI can do to help, just let me know.” Abi looked into his eyes and felt herself melt a little.

“I…. I… might need help with moving some things. Ah… you know…. when I get things figured out.” Abi stammered.

“No problem Dr. Saunders, have Rob call me. Or better yet I’ll get your info from Rob and stay in touch if that is ok.”

“Yes, that will be fine,” Abi was a little breathless by this brief encounter. And her daughters standing at the door noticed and gave each other knowing looks. 

Outside they hugged and Abi told the girls she was going to take a nap and then head over to the University for her meeting with the Dean. 

+++

Abi watched the girls drive off in Janie’s car and she sat alone in her parked car for a minute to catch her breath. She was a little sexually excited by her encounter with Tyler. She moved her hand over her body and rubbed herself slightly. Then she took off and returned to Emily’s with the suitcases she had packed earlier. With effort, and a couple trips she got them into the back room.

She had packed fast but now carefully unpacked the things she brought and put them lovingly away. There was a small single bed against one wall, a little desk against the back wall and dresser across from the bed. It looked, however, like there was only the one bathroom that the three women would have to share. She set up her computer on the desk along with her hard drive. She pulled out a few things and put them into her desk drawers, including her toys that she placed on a piece of cloth in the top drawer. Next to be placed were a couple cherished photos. One was the photo of her and her 4 kids in a rather irreverent, silly and even slightly suggestive pose. She of course was sitting very matronly in front while the 4 kids were making rather goofy obscene gestures behind her. She placed that one on her desk. 

Next she pulled out an 8x10 photo of her standing completely naked in a frame that she placed on the dresser. The photo was in front of the house, her hands extended in joy as if she was ready to embrace the world, and her nude body as perfect as it ever was. Her stepbrother Trevor had taken the photograph on her 18thbirthday just outside at the commune/ranch in Montana where she grew up. The photo was also taken just a few months before they all moved out and left the west forever. This was a prized possession. It represented so much to her. First, it reminded her of her girlhood growing up on the ranch; it reminded her also of the important connections in her life with her loving family and some dear friends; secondly, it represented her spirituality that celebrated both her femininity and her sexuality. Much like the ancients who carved nude statues and painted nude likenesses of each other - especially of the gods, goddesses and important people like emperors – she saw in this photo a celebration of her connection with nature, the world, her ancestors, her family and herself. This photograph represented wholeness to her. This is why this photo was the first thing placed on her altar that she now fashioned on top of her dresser.

Laying a beautifully woven cloth on the top of the dresser next to the photograph she carefully and with adoration pulled out a small statue of the goddess Hecate and placed it in the center of the cloth. Hecate was Abi’s spiritual mother. And with an equal amount to devotion she then placed a small pitcher and several small bowels, basins and candles around it. All those years of studying and teaching ancient history had had an impact and Abi had been a practicing pagan for about 10 years. She had never gone so far as get involved with any other Pagans or Wiccans, though she was a silent participant on several Facebook pages devoted to Paganism and various goddesses. This was her own private spirituality. And once a week she lit the candles, removed all her clothing and put on a loose, colorful and open robe that she had made just for this purpose, danced in slow and deliberate motion and sang songs in celebration of her mother goddess. She had composed the songs herself and also prayed some prayers that she got out of and had memorized from the collection of Orphic Hymns of ancient incantations and prayers.  But she never asked the goddess for anything. She felt strongly that her mother goddess was not a vending machine giving out favors. No, Abi’s devotion consisted entirely of making libation offerings all of which were her way of offering herself.

She ran her fingers gently over the face of the goddess and then kissed the back of her hand moving it to her left breast. Then she lay down on the bed. She had forgotten to bring sheets and bedclothes, though she did remember to bring her own favorite pillow and a quilt her grandmother had made her. She would worry about sheets and blankets later.  She looked at her phone – it was 3:20. She had about 30 minutes before she needed to run down to see the Dean. No time for a shower, but a little time for a rest. 

She lay back on her bed and closed her eyes. Images of the previous night began to float through her mind. What a mixed experience it had been. She saw herself flailing and screaming at her husband Greg; she saw herself in park standing on the path with her slacks and panties pulled down to her knees, her lower body exposed to the night air as she railed on the phone at Greg; she felt Emily touch her; saw Emily pull her own jeans and panties down and felt her as she wound her legs around Abi’s pressing their bodies together; she felt Emily caress her, touch her, kiss her all over; She could smell Emily’s body, her hair and taste her pussy and nipples. Abi undid her slacks and pushed her hand inside and began to gently caress and explore herself.

She remembered laying in the park feeling both cold and warm at the same time as she shared intimacy with Emily; she saw herself and Emily walking naked back to their cars hand in hand; driving through the streets of the deserted city almost naked. She slipped a finger between her labia and found her wetness, pulling her finger out and licking it, both to taste herself and to help spread the wetness. She pulled her slacks and panties down to her ankles, opening her legs by bending them at the knees and pushing her hand between her legs. She began to gently push several inside herself and then pull out and rub them all over including across her clitoris. Over and over she repeated this, bearing down on her clit a little harder each time as she continued to draw her fingers out of her vagina and move them to her lips flicking her tongue over her fingers. Then back down she dived again, rubbing harder and faster.

She thought about Tyler; his body, imaging what he would look like undressed. Katie said he was big and filling. She moaned as she imagined him standing in front of her with his large penis erect waiting to fill her mouth and cunt. She quickened her pace even faster as she moaned softly. Images of Tyler and Emily floated through her mind. Their smiling faces; Emily’s beautiful pussy; what she imagined as Tyler’s hard cock. She began to whimper as she bore down harder rubbing herself frantically. She thought about her friend Celeste; her mistress Celeste who was always happy to take control away from Abi for brief amounts of time. She saw herself standing in front of her dressed in her severe school outfit and slowly undressing; she loved being vulnerable; she saw herself tied, her hands above her head tied to a rope which hung from a hook in the ceiling; she felt the sting and warmth of Celeste’s paddle; on her ass; her pussy; her breasts.  She moved her left hand under her blouse and began to pinch her nipples and squeeze her breasts through her bra. Then she sat up and unclasped her bra and lay back down and pushed her hand underneath the now loosened bra in order to pinch her nipples. She felt each spank; she could taste Emily and Celeste; she saw their wet gaping cunts that she licked and ate them hungrily; she wanted Tyler’s cock…. In…. her… own… cunt!!!! She screamed as an orgasm coursed through her body. Wave after wave…. She pushed three fingers inside of herself, fucking herself with them and then she started to slow the motion, eventually coming to a complete stop. She turned on her side and brought her knees up and lay in a fetal position with her right hand still between her legs pushed into her cunt and her left hand toying with a nipple.

She lay this way quietly listening to her quickened breathing. Eventually she straightened herself out and extracted her wet hand. She took this wet right hand and licked her fingers and wiped the wetness on her face and breasts. Suddenly, she remembered her appointment. With a sigh she got out of bed and went to her desk and looked at her phone. 4:06. “Time to go!” She held her clothing on her to enable her to run down the hall to the bathroom. She peed, wiped herself, washed her face and hands, dressed and touched up her lipstick and rubbed her hands with hand cream in order to mask any lingering smell. Then she looked at herself in the mirror, went back to the room, donned the jacket, her sunglasses and she was off again.

+++

“Thanks for stopping by,” Dr. Copley was a rather matronly woman who had been a friend and mentor when Abi had first come to the university. This friendship had wilted when “Maggie” had been appointed Dean of the College of Fine Arts. Abi addressed her now as Dr. Copley and treated her with all the appropriate deference. “Your husband called this morning. He was in a state. He told me your relationship and marriage had disintegrated and that were going to quit the university.” She sighed, “I told him not to concern himself, that I would deal with it.”

“I’m sorry he called you and told you that.  I guess I did say that at the height of our, well… our fight last night. I didn’t mean it, I was just saying things to make him angry frankly.” Abi hung her head a little.

The Dean smiled, “Well, I figured as much. So no worries.”

She lifted her head. “I have no intention of resigning. I have taken a couple days off this week to get resettled, but I’ll be back teaching my classes next week.”

“I do not doubt it. Look Abi, I have great respect and affection for you. You are an outstanding scholar and a fine teacher. You are also a very kind and caring person that sometimes is easy to take advantage of. You have had to deal with a difficult situation with your marriage for a long time. We here at the University have all been aware of that. I am sorry for the pain and loss this situation will bring to you, but I am also happy for you that you now have a chance for a new chapter unfettered as it were with a child of a husband.”

“Thank you.” Abi said quietly. She felt like crying, but that would not be professional, so she held back the tears.

“So, is that the only reason why you wanted to come by to see me?”

“I want you to know that the chair of my department and I were no longer on very good personal terms. I want you to know I intend to continue to fulfill my responsibilities. But, I would like to ask if you would transfer my supervision to either yourself or someone of your choosing. I cannot deal with Greg. He hasn’t been very good in that role for me anyway. He has always been mean and dismissive and belittling.”

“Yes, I understand. But you don’t need supervision Abi. I realize that everyone is answerable to someone, let’s just say that if something comes up I will deal with it or I’ll ask my assistant Dr. Stein to address it. Is that ok with you?”

“Yes maam.” Abi felt relieved. Greg would be pissed. Richard Stein was a middle age administrator and Abi had always gotten along with him very well.

“So, where are you living?” Maggie asked in a kind voice.

“With a friend for the moment, but only for a few weeks and then I’ll need to move. I’ll find a place somewhere.”

“Living with your daughters or sons?”

“Oh, Heavens!” Abi dismissed that idea out of hand. “Not a good idea for any of us!”

“Well, I have an idea you can mull over if you like. Drs. Bill and Gloria Havermann will both be on sabbatical next semester. I think they are leaving before Christmas and then will be gone until May or June, not exactly sure. They are looking for someone to house sit. It is a big house and they have a dog and two cats too. That might be a solution for you.”

A dog! Abi wasn’t terribly good with dogs, but she loved cats and she thought of her beloved elderly cat Hephaestus. “Yes, thanks, I will call them over the weekend.”

Maggie walked over and gave her a hug, “Take care of yourself and we’ll see you Monday.”

Abi returned the hug and turned and left the office. 

Out into the cool air of the now darkened campus.  It was just a little past 5:00. She walked a few blocks over to the music building where she had her office. There were a few students milling around with a few greeting her as they passed, but for the most part they didn’t pay any attention to Abi. She walked up the steps and then peeked into the main departmental office to make sure everyone was gone. It was dark. Becky was gone for the day, but she could see a light on under Greg’s door. She snuck past the office and down the hall to the elevator and up then to the third floor, down the hall to her nice spacious office in the corner of the building. She went in, covered her door window with a piece of paper she had there taped to the door for that purpose, locked her door and plopped into her desk chair and began to twirl around in circles slowly in the chair.

She had not turned on the light. She sat in the dark, the office illuminated only by the lights from campus visible through the window, and her wall clock that was dimly backlit. Otherwise she was in the dark. She picked up the remote to her sound system and turned on her disk player. A crashing C major chord, followed by a 16thand a quarter (Da… taDa)! Then followed by an oboe solo – g (half note) c – e – g (half note)… she pushed the forward button several times until she came to one of her favorite pieces of music. The introduction consisted of a soft undulation in the strings depicting calm seas – then three voices: a soprano, a mezzo and bass began to sing gently and simply: Soave sia il vento, tranquilla sia l'onda, ed ogni element benigno risponda ai nostri/vostri desir. (“Gentle be the breeze, calm be the waves, and every element smile in favor on their wish.”) 

Abi listened and started to cry. She had been holding it in all day and now she let loose. The trio was short so she played it again and her crying turned to sobs. She played it again; and again; and again. There was something about this trio that made her cry every time she heard it. Never mind that the bass character in this opera, who sings in the trio, has just begun to manage a cruel trick on the unsuspecting women. Even so, by the end the women would come out on top. Most people don’t understand Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte, but Abi understood it and she loved this opera like no other. For her the librettist Lorenzo da Ponte and Mozart were soul mates, especially da Ponte who always managed to write strong women into his works who find a way to remain true to themselves by the end of the stories.

5:45. 

Abi switched the tracks to another piece in the opera: Come scoglio immoto resta contro i venti e la tempesta, così ognor quest'alma è forte nella fede e nell'amor… (“Like a rock standing impervious to winds and tempest, so stands my heart ever strong in faith and love.”) - Fiordiligi’s ultimately unsuccessful attempt to stand up for herself in the first act. Abi knew all the words by heart and sang along softly, especially during the final coda. This aria gave Abi just the right energy she needed to head out, back past the dark office and on to TGI Fridays to meet up with Emily.