(7) Astrology 101

Shawn and Belle were strolling through Salem Place when Belle darted unexpectedly to her left. Shawn continued for a couple steps until he realized he was missing his sidekick. “Belle?” He spotted her blond-rooted ponytail weaving through bookstore. “Um hello?” She caught his eye just before turning the corner. Shawn found her browsing in the astrology section.

“What are you doing? We’re walking along one minute, and the next, you’re just gone.”

“Sorry. I just had an impulse to come in here.”

“I appreciate you letting me in on that.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

“Fine. Whatever.”

“Just give me a minute, k?”

“I thought you were going to die if you didn’t get ice cream in you within the next minute.”

“I still want it, but it’s not the urgent at this minute.”

“How can you change your mind as quickly and as often as you do.”

“Ssssssssssssssssssssh. I’m reading about us Shawn.”

“So what does Nancy Reagan. I mean Dionne Warwick have to say?” He looked around as if bored. An image struck him. A couple in an erotic pose. He pulled the sex manual off the shelf and became instantly intrigued. His eyes bulged at the contents. “Hey Belle, do you think you could do this?” Belle glanced up from her passage. “SHAWN!!!!”

“What? I think it’s kind of cool.”

“Put that book away!”

“Hell no. I like it.”

Belle grabbed the book and placed it on the shelf. “Listen to this!”

“What, let me guess. You’re a spit fire diva who must dominate her man. A SEX deprived man who is easily manipulated…”

“It says, ‘When Aires and Taurus come together, the partnership is a natural union of Love, represented by Taurus, and Passion, represented by Aires….Aires can help Taurus be spontaneous and adventurous…. From Aires, Taurus can gain a willingness to take the risks in life that lead to true happiness.’ Pretty cool, huh?”

“And she doesn’t listen very well either. But he’s all laid back and cool about it. He’s like, you know, whatever.”

Belle continued, pointing her finger matter of factly, “These signs are a good balance for each other. Aires might sometimes play games with Taurus, playing off that bullish laziness, or try to push Taurus into making hasty decisions, but the Bull con usually convince the Ram to slow down a bit…Hmm, looks like the stars are in our favor. Shawn, this is totally us!”

“It’s a crock of shit, Belle.”

“It is NOT!”

“Can we go to Toys R Us?” he asked out of the blue.

Belle’s jaw dropped open, “Shawn, that is so immature.”

“For my brother! Miss Nancy Reagan.”

“Well in that case, fine.”

“And there were some new games I wanted to check out.”

Belle rolled out her eyes, “Now I see the REAL reason you want to go. You’re just using your little brother as an excuse.”

“I am not. Let’s roll.”

“Fine, but I want to stop and get our hair colorant first.”

“As you wish, my dear. It’s only fair.”

“True, very true.”

*************************************

Shawn sat on the toilet eyeing Belle’s breasts as she as she squeezed the last drop into his scalp. She threw the bottle away and massaged the dye into his short locks. “I think you’ll look good in this color,” Belle offered cheerfully. Shawn nodded and took advantage of the situation. He slid his hands up the front of her t-shirt. Belle sucked in her breath and groaned.

“SHAWN!”

“I can’t help it!”

“What if someone sees you doing that?”

“You said no one is home and no one would be for awhile.”

“Yeah, but you never know!”

Belle kicked the bathroom door shut with her foot. “What has gotten into you? You’re like a total perv lately.”

“Ok, now that’s an exaggeration.”

“Not really.”

“Can’t a guy be attracted to his girlfriend? Can’t I at least get a peek of the goods here and there?”

“I don’t think a PEEK is all you want.”

“Oh come on Belle! It’s not like I’m asking for immediate access to the piehole or anything…”

“PIEHOLE???!! Where in the hell did you get a term like that? That sounds like something Jason would say. That is SOOOOO vulgar.”

“I’m sorry. Did I say that outloud?”

“Yes you did!”

“I didn’t mean to.”

“Um, I think you did.”

Belle tore her gloves off and went to sit on the counter. Shawn pulled her down so she straddled him. Belle refused to look at him. “Isabella…” he urged.

“What?! What what what?”

“Look at me, please.” He begged. Reluctantly, she met his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” he asked sincerely.

“I don’t want you to treat me like a piece of meat.”

“I won’t. I won’t. Belle, I sorry I said that. It was totally uncalled for.”

“Damn skippy!”

Shawn chuckled at her comeback. He made a straight face. “I won’t do it again, I promise.”

“You know Shawn, THAT particular comment isn’t what bugs me all that much.”

“It isn’t?”

“No, it’s everything. Lately you’ve been, I don’t know. Acting like you’re expecting something to come your way.”

“Well one could hope, right?”

“Shawn! I don’t take this lightly!”

“I know you don’t. And I don’t either. But sometimes I get a little too curious. And I don’t feel like a gentlman. Sometimes when I look at you, or I touch you, kiss you. I feel like….some kind of animal.”

“Shawn, this is not National Geographic.”

Shawn laughed, “Well sometimes I think it is. Tell me you don’t feel a little carried away sometimes.”

Belle climbed off his lap and stood in front of the mirror considering his question. Shawn got up and stood behind her. They stared at their reflections in the mirror. Both wore plain white t-shirts. Hair slicked back, cooking to a whole new shade- Belle, honey blond, Shawn, strawberry blond. Belle smiled at Shawn’s refection. He smiled back at her and slipped his arms around her waist.

Belle turned to face him. Shawn hoisted her onto the counter by the sink. He stroked her arms tenderly and kissed her cheek. Belle hugged him and pulled back. “I understand what you’re saying. I really do. Sometimes when I look at you, I go crazy.”

“You do?”

“YES, of course I do.”

“When?”

“All the time Shawn! Some more than others…”

“Like? Give me an example!”

Belle looked around as if in deep thought. “Ok, there was one time that REALLY stuck out.”

“When, when?”

“I’m telling you! Hold on!”

“Sorry.”

“Remember when we were alone at Mimi’s house that one night. Well, at least we thought we were, until Mimi showed up. Remember we got paint all over each other. And then we rinsed off in the shower...”

“Confess, confess!!!!”

“When you did that little…squeegie thing. Oh man.”

“You liked that huh?”

“Ohhhhh yeah. Did I ever!”

“For real?!”

“Yes Shawn! Why would I lie?”

“No, I’m not saying you would. I just think that’s funny, that’s all.”

“Why?”

“Cuz you had the same effect on me. Girl, I felt like a three legged man.”

“Ewwwww.”

“I did, honestly. But I was a gentleman.”

“You were, yes.”

“And then it got worse.”

“Worse? How?”

“When you were changing in the living room. I could see a part of your tit.”

“WHAT? Were you just staring at me or something?”

“No. Well, yes. I couldn’t help it. But that was just like one of many instances where you…had me all riled up.”

Belle smiled, flattered by his sincerity. “Kiss me,” she whispered. Shawn held back, “Are you sure?” Belle nodded, “Kiss me.” Shawn leaned to kiss her. It was soft and sweet. Belle smiled and bit her lip. “I want more.” Shawn raised his eyebrow, the proceeded as requested. With a little more passion this time. Animals they were.

She allowed him to explore under shirt. He fumbled clumsily with her bra strap for what seems like forever. Upon its release, he grabbed her breast eagerly- massaging, kneeding. He pressed himself against her and Belle wrapped her legs around him, drawing him closer. Suddenly Belle felt as if she was “losing control”, getting ahead of herself. She pulled away.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“That was….intense. A little too intense.”
”You want to stop?”

“Um, yeah. Maybe we should. Besides, I think I need to rinse my hair now.”

“Sure,” Shawn mumbled, clearly disheartened. “I’ll leave you alone so you can rinse it out in the shower if you’d like.”

“Thanks.”

Shawn walked out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Belle went to the shower and turned it on. She pushed the curtain aside and returned to the door. She stared at the door knob for awhile before locking it. She stripped out of her clothes and entered the shower. She tilted her head back to rinse out her hair. Watching the dye pool at her feet, she shook her head smiling. Tough guy…

***********************************

He spotted her just as she entered the library. He waited several minutes before approaching. Waiting for the right moment. He hid behind the bookshelf as he spied on her. She was alone. He wanted to make sure she remained that way before he spoke to her. She was at a table, absorbed in a newspaper. Jason scanned the library one last time before taking a seat in front of her.

“What is that you’re looking at? Your horoscope.” Jason asked.

Chloe contained her surprise and managed a cool “More like Ann Landers.”

Jason snatched the paper away from her, “Oh, look here. Mine says “A hot chick comes to your rescue in a time of dire need.”

“Gee, that’s kind of ironic. Mine says, “Stay away from cocky rich assholes.”

“Philip Kiriakis. Ain’t that some tough luck.”

“Nice try Jason.”

“More like ‘a foe suddenly strikes you as magnetically appealing.”

Chloe scanned her surroundings quickly before leaning forward, “Excuse me, I’m busy right now.”

Jason ignored her, “Seriously, I need help.”

“For?”

“I need you to tutor me.”

“Tutor you! In what?”

“Trig”

“You’re having problems in trig?”

“Yes Chloe, you don’t have to rub it in. So are you going to help me or not?”

“Why is this coming up all the sudden?”

“Because my mom is really getting on my ass about it.”

“Ok, fine. But why me?”

Jason looked around nervously, “Why not? Cuz I know you I guess.”

“You know me? Are you trying to be funny or something?”

“What the fuck? Are you always this charming with Phil?

“No wait a second, are you sure ‘bitches’ like me even worthy of such an honor?”

“So now you’re going to throw that shit in my face now, huh?”

“You said it first Jason. Where did you learn to talk to women like that anyhow?”

“Look, I’m sorry I called you bitch. I didn’t mean it.”

“I doubt it. People say what they mean and mean what they say.”

“Yeah, and I’m telling you right now that I’m sorry. And I really do mean it. You’re not a bitch.”

“So what if I am.”

“Well then that’s on you, not me.”

“Thanks for the advice.”

“So is that a yes or no?”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe yes, or maybe no?”

“Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Maybe yes.”

“What are you saying? You have conditions or something?”

“No conditions really. I just don’t know whether or not I should bother.”

“Why?”

“I don’t trust you.”

“It’s fucking trigonometry Chloe. Why do you have to make it so complicated?”

“Do NOT yell at me.”

“I’m not yelling you. I’m just freaking desperate right now. What is it going to take? Do you want to talk to my mother? She’ll be glad to pay your or whatever. Shit, I don’t know.”

Chloe realized he really was desperate. She took the newspaper from him and folded it. “ I’ll help you.”

“You will?”

“Yes Jason, I’ll help you.”

Jason placed his hands behind his head and breathed a sigh of relief. He tilted his seat back and eyed her confidently. Chloe crossed her arms and also leaned back. He gave her a serious look, “Where’s your glasses at?”

“You broke them, don’t you remember?”

“Yeah, cuz they’re fake. I’m surprised you haven’t gotten new ones.”

“I have. They’re on special order. I’ll send you the bill.”

“Oooooh, so quick on the comeback, Chloe. At least you’re consistent. What is it, some kind of survival tactic thing?”

“Actually, I’m trying to be as cool as your girlfriend.”

“I bet you are.”

“You and your bets.”

“Water under the bridge Chloe.”

“I think I’ll determine that Jason.”

“Then hold a grudge if that’s what you want to do. But you just agreed to tutor me. It’s not going to be that easy if you’re going to have an attitude.”

“Whatever.”

“Fine, I’ll call you tomorrow. You know, to set up a good time.”

“I’ll be waiting by the phone anxiously.”

“You think I don’t know that.” He looked up in time to notice Jan’s arrival in the library. She appeared frantic, searching for her mate.

Jason stood up, “I gotta go. The center of my universe is here.”

“You two are so compelling.”

“You guys hanging out with Belle and Shawn on the Fancy Face tonight?”

“Yeah, how did you know about that?”

“How do you think I know?”

“You and Jan are going to be there too?”

“Yeah, look, I really got to go. I’ll see you later tonight.”

“Au revoir”

“Sure, that. Buenos dias or whatever.”

“Looks like I’ll have to tutor you on French too.”

“Sounds good to me. Sounds REAL good to me.”

“Don’t get any ideas…”

“Oh I got ideas, Chloe. LOTS.”

And then he was gone. Chloe watched as he approached Jan, greeting her with a kiss.

Chloe lay her head on her arms, thinking. What have I gotten myself into?