That morning, Debbye arrived early at the home where the “back-to-school” get-together was being held.
“Goodness, Debbye. What brings you here so early?” asked Mrs. Nash.
“Two matters, actually,” answered the squirrel. “The first is a private one, a gentlefur friend will be joining me later; I just wanted to tell you privately so you wouldn’t be surprised. I don’t want anyone to know I invited him ‘cause we’re just getting acquainted and I don’t want to start any gossiping. The second matter is simply that I wanted to help you with the setting up for today.”
“I appreciate your consideration and help,” replied Alisia. “I’ll not say anything untoward when your friend shows up.” With a serious look, she inquired, “So what’s he like and how long have you known him?”
Debbye replied with a wistful smile, “Physically he’s a cat, a bit taller than I am, with glasses and blue eyes. Beyond that, he’s well read, intelligent, and seems to be of more substantial material than a lot of young male furs. I’ve only known him a week, but we both wish to know each other better.”
The black bear chuckled, “It’ll be interesting to see how he fares in this group.” In a more serious tone she continued, “Just how serious are you about this gentlefur?”
“I’m not certain yet,” blushed Debbye, “but I think it could become quite serious. That’s why we’re seeing each other in venues like this, so we can better know each other without a lot of pressures.”
Her hostess nodded approvingly, “Your idea or his?”
“Both of ours, actually,” smiled Debbye. “From the first he’s been genuinely interested in my welfare and protection.”
The lady replied with a smile, “He sounds like quite the young gentlefur for you. I’ll be most interested in meeting him. Now,” she continued, “shall we get to work?”
- The Noon Hour –
Wearing a one-piece swimsuit, Debbye closed her eyes and lay back in the chaise-lounge. That was a good swim, she thought, and it feels so nice to let the sun warm me. Hearing a noise behind her, she opened her eyes and turned her head.
“Your young gentlefur just turned up,” her hostess announced in a whisper, “he’ll be out in a few minutes after he changes clothes.” With quite an amused expression, she continued, “He definitely is something different. He insisted on paying for whatever he consumed today.”
Debbye chuckled, “Doesn’t surprise me in the least. He’s the only fur I’ve ever heard complain, politely mind you, when he was undercharged.”
“Really?” responded the amused bear. “How interesting! Where did you find this rarity?”
Debbye smiled, “I didn’t find him; he found me in a spot of difficulty and came to my aid. Everything else has flowed from there.”
“Do tell?” smiled the woman. With a chuckle she continued, “It should be interesting to see the reaction of the others. You realize, don’t you, that you’ll break some hearts once it’s plain he’s with you?”
“Just dash some hopes,” snorted Debbye. “I’ve led none of them on. Any hopes they have are only in their dreams, not something I’ve encouraged.”
“I know, dear,” soothed Mrs. Nash. “I’ve watched you; you’ve been honest but polite with them. Now,” she continued, “I’d best introduce Mr. Evans to the group and then get the cooking going on the grill.” With an amused glance, she chuckled, “ I want a ringside seat.”
After her hostess walked off, Debbye suddenly felt his presence. Looking up, she saw Lee quietly but confidently strolled into the backyard and looked around. No sooner had he appeared than their hostess was beside him. “People,” she announced, “ this is Lee Evans, he was invited to join us today and so please make him feel welcome.”
“Hi, Lee” chorused much of the group.
“And hello to y’all, too,” responded Lee. “It’s a pleasure to be here. If y’all will give me a minute to set my stuff down, I’ll be glad to join in.”
Walking over to a clear spot next to Debbye, Lee bent over, with a twinkle in his eye that only she saw, and asked, “Fair lady, may I leave my ‘stuff’ here, next to you?”
“Certainly, Mr. Evans,” replied a smiling Debbye with equally veiled amusement.
Placing his items on the ground, Lee looked around. “That looks like quite a volleyball game going on over there, care to join in?”
Debbye thought for a moment. It’ll be interesting to see how he plays with the others. Aloud she answered, “My name is Debbye and I’d be glad to. If you’ll lend me a paw?”
Lee extended his paw and she pulled herself up. On the way over she mentioned quietly, “I’ve not told anyone that I invited you; I didn’t want to start any gossip.”
“No problem,” replied Lee smilingly, “I’ll play along.”
Lee was quickly drafted by one team as a player left for lunch. Shortly thereafter, to her chagrin, the other team drafted Debbye. Both teams were fairly matched and, though the action was fast, points were gained slowly. Lee and Debbye played directly opposite each other on a few occasions when rotation put them together at the net. By the end of the first game, Lee concluded, She’s good! I’ve seen lots of furs play poorer defense against “spikes” than what she’s put up.
Taking a drink of water between the games, Debbye considered the playing and noticed, He’s not a flashy, “big-play” player, but he almost always is where his team needs him.
The next game played much as the previous one had with much action and slow scoring. For Debbye and Lee, now that they were familiar with each other’s style, the confrontations at the net became skillful battles with no quarter given or expected.
After the second game, a halt was called so that the players could grab a late lunch. Lee handed Debbye some water and then took a drink from his own glass. “You’re a challenge to play,” he chuckled. “Next time, I want us on the same team.”
“Same to you,” replied the smiling squirrel after a long drink. “I’d much rather play alongside you than against you.”
Their immediate thirst quenched, Lee walked with Debbye back to where they’d left their things. As they walked, Lee offered, “Fair lady, would you care to join me for lunch?”
Debbye dimpled and answered, “I do believe I’d enjoy that.”
Their plates loaded down and chilled bottles of soft drink in their free paws; Debbye and Lee returned and sat together. “So,” she asked between bites, “you’d mentioned having to be at a modeler’s meeting last night; was it interesting?”
Lee grinned, “An interesting speaker, but the real surprise was a couple that came for the first time, Sean and Teri Picket. They model as a team with her doing the interiors and him doing the exteriors; they do quite impressive work.”
“That’s rare?” inquired Debbye archly.
“The teamwork is,” chuckled Lee, “but not the quality.”
“And how did this morning go?” inquired the squirrel.
Lee grimaced. “I’ve had better days,” he admitted. “I forced Lyman to the two point limit in all three games but still managed to lose all three. It just wasn’t my day.”
“Could it be,” she inquired with a smile, “that your mind wasn’t totally focused on racquetball?”
With a sheepish grin, Lee replied, “Yeah, I think that’s a very good possibility.”
“Sorry about that,” giggled the squirrel.
“No problem.” grinned Lee in return. “We both still got quite a workout.”
Their lunch finished and the remains cleaned up, they laid back on adjacent chaise-lounges to let the meal digest. “So, what do you think of this group?” asked Debbye.
Putting down his book, Lee looked around and thought for a moment, then he answered, “Nice people, I’m enjoying myself.”
Debbye relaxed a bit. “I’m glad because I like these people.” Turning her head, she questioned, “Have you told anyone who invited you?”
Lee smiled, “Nope. Even before you told me, I rather figured you’d prefer to handle matters your way.”
“Trust and confidence, you do know how to treat a lady.” answered the pleased squirrel.
“But, of course,” chuckled Lee, “haven’t I already proved that?”
“I know.” answered Debbye. “But it’s still taking some getting used to.”
Lee just smiled and went back to his reading. Debbye took the time to covertly look him over and liked what she saw. Hm-m-m, from what the tank top and trunks don’t cover, he keeps himself in shape. I can appreciate a male fur that stays in shape but doesn’t obsess about his appearance.
Reaching the end of a chapter, Lee marked his place with a bookmark and looked at his watch. “There’s been adequate time.” He commented. “Care to join me for a swim?”
“Perhaps a bit later, I had a good one before you showed up.”
Nodding his acceptance, Lee carefully slipped off his glasses, pulled off his tank top, and headed toward the pool. Debbye managed to control her physical response, but her mind went ahead, Lord, he does stay fit and that tawny patch goes as far down his front as I can see. Oh, getting to know him better looks rather pleasant.
Putting herself firmly under control, Debbye noticed that Lee didn’t make a noisy, splashy entrance into the pool, but quietly slid in and started swimming laps. He really is a predator, she thought, even though he keeps it under control. I think I’d feel sorry for anyone who got on his “fighting side”.
After some time spent of swimming laps, Lee exited the pool with the same quiet and grace with which he’d entered it. Picking up his thick towel, he dried himself as thoroughly as possible and stretched out, front side down, on the chaise-lounge. “I hope you don’t mind,” he told Debbye, “but racquetball, volleyball, and swimming have kinda worn me out. It feels so good just to bake here in the sun.”
So saying, he carefully placed his glasses where they were unlikely to be hurt, protected them further with his towel, closed his eyes, and started to drowse. Lee soon fell completely asleep and the only sound he made was a deep, quiet purr.
Debbye watched and listened. After a while, the thought came to her; I find that purr rather soothing; if things get really serious between us, it won’t bother me at all. Stop that! She told herself. You only met him a week ago and are working to know him better. Even if there is “something special” with him, you don’t want to jump ahead.
Debbye looked down at the book Lee had been reading. Hm-m-m, she noticed a paperback, inside a protective cover that completely hides the books cover. Debbye picked up the book and opened it to the front page. Surprise, girl! Came the thought. A novel by Grace Livingston Hill? No wonder he’s hiding it, she thought amusedly, being found reading it would certainly get Lee some derisive laughter. I like his simple solution for reducing the chance of a problem.
Debbye carefully placed the book back and lay back with a smile. He said he was an inveterate reader, but I never would have expected that much range in tastes. I wonder what other surprises this weekend will bring?
After an hour’s nap, Lee awoke to find Debbye smiling at him. “Truly a pleasant sight to wake to,” he commented,” but I think there’s something more to that smile. What happened? Did I talk in my sleep?”
“Nothing so dramatic,” chuckled Debbye. “I did check out the book you’re reading. She’s a good writer; I’ve got several of her books on my shelves.”
Lee hesitated a moment, then chuckled, “She is good. I’ve always enjoyed good writing, whatever the genre. My sister, Marilee, is as inveterate a reader as I am and brought her to my attention.” Looking around, he continued embarrassed, “I trust you haven’t told anyone. I don’t need the grief.”
“Relax,” assured Debbye. “I’d never tell on you. ‘Sides, I like the idea of a male fur who’s open-minded enough to read more than the usual ‘male’ genres.”
Lee blushed, “Thank you, but I read some of those, too. Still, I’m glad you don’t object and I appreciate your discretion.”
Further discussion was halted by Mrs. Nash’s arrival. “Mr. Evans, “ she began, “ I don’t mean to put you on the spot, but I wonder if you could share something with us during this evening’s fellowship time? If it helps,” she chuckled, “my asking you to do so would help camouflage that ‘twas Debbye who invited you.”
“I don’t mind,” replied Lee. “I’ll be glad to share. I’m flattered that you feel I have something to share. As to the camouflage and such, that’s for the lady to decide.” Turning to Debbye, he asked, “How would you have me handle this, my lady?”
Furrowing her brow, Debbye thought for a moment and then replied, “I’d prefer to keep my private life just that, private. I won’t lie to anyone about it but I don’t wish to flaunt it either. I think I’d feel more comfortable if you provide some camouflage.”
Nodding to Debbye, Lee turned to their hostess, “Then it’s agreed. I’ll be pleased to share a few things that might stimulate some thought.” Shrugging on his tank top and putting on his glasses, he continued, “To do that, I’d best prepare now. If I might use the study I glimpsed earlier, I’ll sit down and prepare something.”
With that, Lee stood up, gathered his belongings, and followed their hostess into the house. Less than five minutes later, Diana Reynard, one of Debbye’s closer girlfriends in the group, came over and sat down. Without preamble, she asked, “So, are you the one who invited Mr. Evans?”
“Yes.” Debbye admitted with a blush. “I am. How did you know? I know neither of us indulged in a public display of affection.”
“Sure, you didn’t do anything overly obvious,” replied her friend, “and I doubt anybody else here noticed. But you know me. I’ve been a fur-watcher for some time. I’m observant and you’re a good friend. I could see an extra ‘intentness’ when you talked to him. Don’t worry,” she grinned, “I won’t spread it around. However, I am curious; how did you meet him?”
Debbye chuckled, “Would you believe he found me having a difficult time with something and came to my assistance? Beyond that, we’re just getting to know each other and to see what possibilities exist for something more.”
Diana nodded, “The ‘damsel in distress’ situation? How romantic! At least you’re being sensible about matters and not rushing ahead after that start. I admire you for that and I want to wish you both the best.”
“Thanks,” blushed Debbye, “I appreciate that and I know Lee will too. But, I have to tell you, it wasn’t that much distress.”
“It doesn’t matter,” chuckled her friend, “it’s the principle.” She hugged Debbye and headed back to her seat.
Feeling relieved, Debbye went for another swim. Exiting some time later and feeling pleasantly worn, Debbye dried off as best she could and then headed into the house to finish drying and to change into casual clothes for the remainder of the evening. On her way back out, she passed the study’s open door and paused to watch Lee’s careful preparations. Hm-m, she thought, quite a number of references and he certainly seems well organized with that legal pad.
That should finish things nicely, thought Lee as he organized his last thoughts. Feeling a nearby presence, Lee looked around and saw Debbye in the doorway. Ah, my lady, if you but knew what I wanted to do when I saw you out there. But there’s a “time to be quiet” as well as a “time to speak up” and this was that time. I’ll not break your trust in me. “Fair lady,” he spoke, waving her in, “I hope you weren’t worried about me. It took a bit of thought and a prayer to come up with something appropriate, as this trash can full of unsuccessful drafts will testify. I was just putting a final polish on when you arrived.”
“No,” smiled the squirrel in response, “I wasn’t worried. From just the talking we’ve done, I knew you’d put together something appropriate. I was just,” she continued, “passing by and wanted to watch you.”
“I’m flattered,” Lee answered smilingly. “ ‘Tis always a pleasure to be graced by the presence of one such as you.”
Debbye giggled, “With lines like that, you must have some Irish ancestry. Still, I’m flattered that you feel so. Moving on, what are you going to discuss?”
Sitting down, Lee handed her the pad. “After several false starts, it came to me that something on the importance of good friends and good fellowship would be appropriate for the start of a school year. Tell me what you think.”
Debbye quickly read the material then gave it a second reading. “A clear and succinct approach,” she commented as she returned the pad. “I think they’ll relate to what you’re saying, especially with the personal experiences.”
“I hope so,” admitted Lee. “I tried to strike a balance between text, commentary, and example. That’s part of the reason I didn’t take the train of thought to its full extent.”
“Oh? What’s the ‘full extent’?”
Lee blushed, “To me, the full extent is with a friend of the opposite sex with whom the friendship catches fire, becomes love, and forms a special bond.”
Blushing in turn, Debbye quietly asked, “Would that subject happen to be on your mind for a particular reason?”
Just as quietly, Lee replied, “No offense, but for reasons you can probably guess, it most definitely is. It’s way, way too premature to consider anything when we’re just getting to know each other. Still, I can’t help hoping.”
Debbye gently touched Lee’s arm. “I’m not offended at all,” came the quiet response. “I’m flattered that you think of me that way, especially since I’ve entertained some similar thoughts about you. But there’ve been worries, too. Before we get any deeper, Lee, do we have a common commitment to God?”
“My lady, you have no worry on that score,” answered Lee, gently kissing her hand. “I made that commitment 15 years ago; that concern can be dismissed.”
Debbye hugged him close. “I know I shouldn’t anticipate anything,” she fiercely whispered, “but you can’t imagine how relieved that makes me feel.”
Kissing her forehead, Lee responded, “I think I can. Just from what I’ve learned of you, I didn’t expect it to be a problem.”
Looking back at the pad, Lee sighed and continued, “Now, I’ve got a touch more polishing to do. You go ahead and go on out; I’ll be along in a few minutes.”
Debbye smiled, “Ever the dedicated type; I admire that, Lee. I’ll be waiting.” She quietly strolled out the door.
Lee looked after her and sighed. I wonder if she realizes what she does to me, he pondered, both in that ‘conservative’ swimsuit and dressed as she is now, she affects me more than other femme furs do in an absolute minimum of coverage. Add to that this little discussion and I’m “hulled and sinking fast.’ Ah-well, Evans, you’d best get to know her well and be sure before you take that next step. Now, enough woolgathering, you’ve got work to finish! With that thought, Lee forced his attention back to the work at paw and finished polishing up his thoughts.
Some ten minutes later, Lee strolled into the backyard with his notes folded and tucked into his pocket. He hadn’t gotten far when their hostess announced, “Dinner will be served shortly. Every fur who wants to wash up and/or change should do so now.” Lee barely managed to get out of the crowd’s way. Crossing over to where Debbye sat with a cluster of her friends, he asked, “May I join y’all for this meal?”
Debbye and the others looked at each other, nodded and before Debbye could say anything, Diana spoke up, “Certainly, Mr. Evans, we’d be pleased to have your company.” Scooting over, she made room for Lee between herself and Debbye.
Sitting down carefully, Lee turned to Diana and the rest of the furs present. “Thanks. Please, though just call me ‘Lee”. When I hear ‘Mr. Evans’,” he chuckled, “I keep wanting to look around for my father.”
The group responded with laughter and as they waited, they included Lee in their discussions. In the course of these discussions, they exchanged information as to origins, employment (or lack thereof), and schooling. Throughout, though, Lee managed to avoid revealing who had invited him and the feeling shared with the squirrel next to him.
When everyone was ready, their hostess asked one of the group’s members to say grace and then dinner was served, buffet style. Assisting the others in the cluster, Lee made a couple of trips to the supply of beverages, delaying his dinner until the others had theirs.
When Lee finally returned with his dinner and beverage, Diana again moved over to allow him to sit between her and Debbye. “Thank you, fair lady,” responded Lee,” good company always improves a meal.” Debbye managed to convert the giggle this provoked into a cough.
As they ate, one of the male furs mused, “I wonder who they’ll have speaking tonight? I haven’t seen any of the ‘regulars’ preparing anything and I believe the adults want to leave matters primarily with the group.”
Lee blushed, “Would you believe I’m speaking? I hope y’all don’t mind.”
“Mind?” came the reply. “Heavens, no. It’ll be good to hear someone different.” Looking at the others he continued, “We’ll be looking forward to it, right?”
“Right” came the chorus with a “Most definitely” from Diana and a “Certainly” from Debbye.
With dinner over and cleaned up, everyone gathered around the patio. Waiting for everyone to get seated, their hostess spoke up, “I thought everyone would enjoy hearing form a different speaker than the ‘usual suspects’. So I’ve asked Mr. Evans to come and share with us.” Extending her paw, she beckoned, “Come on up, Mr. Evans. This spot is all yours.”
Lee stood up, picked up his notes, and calmly walked to the center of the group. “Before I get started,” he began, “I’d like to tell you a bit about myself. I attended Texas A&M and was active in our church’s student union there. I moved here after graduation and am active in another church here in Columbus.”
“Now,” Lee continued, “seeing as this is a ‘Back to School’ fellowship, I’ll be sharing on an important source of support: friendship and fellowship. I’ll be citing references, but I’ll let y’all search them out.”
Lee proceeded to speak to the group about the need for good friends and good fellowship using both citations and illustrations. Using his friendship with Lyman as an illustration, Lee discussed the aspects of true friendship that really mattered. Extending the concept, he further discussed how a fellowship of such friends provides a necessary counter to the turbulence of life.
Lee concluded, “The main thing I want to leave with you is that we all need friends and fellowships, but we also need to choose them carefully for they have a distinct influence on us.”
With that, Lee retreated and sat with the others. After he’d gotten comfortably seated, Diana and a few of the others leaned over and whispered their appreciation. Their hostess stood up. “Thank you, Mr. Evans,” she stated, “For giving us all something to think about.” After leading the group in a closing prayer, she announced, “Though this fellowship is officially over, anyone who wishes to stay until 9PM is welcome to do so.”
Lee turned to Debbye, Diana, and the others in their immediate group. “I’d love to stay a bit longer and get to know y’all better. Are there any games around that we all can play?”
Diana flagged down Alisia Nash and, shortly thereafter, Lee found himself sitting at the dining table with the others and playing a popular multi-player board game. Between the game itself and lots of banter between the players, the next couple of hours passed speedily for all concerned.
Coming up on 9PM, the players reluctantly ended their game, carefully put up the gameboard and pieces, and cleaned up the area. As they left the home, the others thanked Lee for coming, expressed their pleasure in his company, and extended their hopes that he’d come again.
Finally, only Lee and Debbye were left of the players group. Picking up his travel bag, Lee turned to Debbye and offered his arm. “Fair lady, may I escort you to your car?”
“I’d be honored, my good fur,” replied Debbye with a twinkle in her eyes, as she slid her arm through his.
Before she could pick up her bag, Lee had it in addition to his own. Debbye made to protest but Lee spoke first, “All part of the escort service, my lady. I insist.”
Debbye gave a small curtsy and smiled, “Then, thank you. Shall we be off?”
They were nearly to her car when they heard running behind them. Then the figure yelled, “Evans! I say, Evans! You can’t just drop in and walk off with the prettiest girl here!”
Lee turned to Debbye, “Who is that?”
Debbye sighed, “His name is Kirk Auquat; he’s asked me out several times but I’ve always said ‘no’. He’s just not my type; he’s not that sharp and is something of a hot head.”
Lee yelled back at the young weasel, “It’s the lady’s choice, not mine. You’ve got to respect her decision.”
”I don’t care,” retorted the weasel. “You’re not getting her!” With that, he swung a punch at Lee’s mid-section. Lee’s eyes went from a warm to a glacial blue and his ears flattened as he stepped away from Debbye. Pivoting quickly, Lee let the punch go by him and grabbed the clenched paw. Very quickly that paw was immobilized between the weasel’s back and Lee’s other arm was around the weasel’s neck.
“Fighting at a Christian fellowship? Now, the Russians would call that truly ‘nekulturniy’, uncultured and showing a complete lack of class and manners,” snarled Lee. “Friend,” he whispered lowly and succinctly, “The lady chose. I’ve not forced my company on her. Now, I think you’d best apologize to her for making such a commotion. It might,” hissed Lee, “also be a good idea to leave her alone from now on. She most emphatically is not interested in you.”
Lee turned Kirk to face Debbye. “I’m s-s-sorry,” stammered Kirk. “I didn’t mean to bother you or cause a scene. I-I-I promise I’ll leave you alone form now on.”
“Very good,” commented Lee as he released Kirk. “Now, I’m sure you have business elsewhere, so off with you.”
Kirk moved off quickly while Lee stood there for a few minutes, breathing deeply while the adrenaline “surge” wore off and his body calmed down. Finally, Lee turned to Debbye. “My apologies, my princess,” he offered. “I had not meant to draw attention to our relationship.”
“No apologies necessary,” Debbye replied shakily. “I’m just glad it didn’t get any more physical.”
Before Lee could answer, their hostess came up. “I heard you had a problem out here, Mr. Evans, but you seem to have handled him well,” she complimented. “I know several male furs in this group who would’ve done far more to him.”
Lee gave a feral grin, “But why should I end this evening on a sour note? He doesn’t deserve that much respect.”
“You are a rare one, indeed,” chuckled the lady bear. “I’ll leave you two alone to say your goodbyes.”
Lee turned to Debbye, wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his muzzle on her head. “I’m sorry about this,” he murmured, “and I wouldn’t blame you a bit if it made you somewhat wary. Do you still want to go shooting tomorrow?”
Debbye wrapped her arms around Lee’s waist, laid her head against his chest, and softly replied, “You’ve done nothing wrong and you’ve behaved with great self-control. Of course I want to join you!”
Lee smiled, “That’s a relief. I was half afraid you’d be scared off.”
Debbye chuckled, “You don’t get away that easily.”
“In which case, come by my apartment around 2PM tomorrow and we’ll go.”
“I’ll be there,” promised Debbye and she kissed the side of his muzzle.
Lee returned the gentle kiss to Debbye’s muzzle and softly replied, “I’ll be waiting.”
Both of them drove home in introspective states.