The next day Colby drove Mindy to the airport. Both were relieved she was going. Even though they knew they would miss each other. For now, they both felt distance was the best remedy for their current problems. Reaching the boarding gate she turned to say goodbye.
“Well I guess this is it.” She said looking up at him. She expected a friendly hug like always. She ended up getting way more. Colby leaned over and kissed her. And it wasn't a simple brushing of lips. It was a lengthy meeting of mouths and tongues. She completely forgot about the fact that other people were around them. As she looped her arms around his necks. The kiss seemed to last forever, and then he was pulling back leaving her dazed.

“I’ll see you Fourth of July weekend.” He said getting a hold of himself. He stared at her for a moment, before turning to leave. Mindy watched him disappear into the crowd. She just stood there in a daze; finally she was able to move. She turned and boarded the plane. She spent the entire flight dreamily reliving that last kiss. Her flight landed in Spokane, and her Grandma was there to meet her. She absently answered her grandma’s questions, all the while wondering about Colby.

Chapter Three

Time seemed to fly once Mindy arrived home. She was kept busy during the day helping her Dad get ready for harvest. Her days were spent washing and servicing trucks. Her evenings were spent working on her latest manuscript. Her experiences with Colby had taken her writing to a whole new level. She worked late into the night, writing about a teenage girl who finds love. Still she was unable to move beyond doing an adolescent love story. She was still a virgin, and there was still much she had yet to experience. Which was frustrating, for her. She had several ideas for mature scripts. But the love scenes were devoid of intensity. She knew the mechanics of things. But she couldn't’ capture the feelings involved, which left her scripts empty and shallow. She needed more experience; she needed to lose her virginity, which presented a huge problem for her. She needed to find someone willing to do it. But she didn’t have a boyfriend. She had discounted Colby early on. Even considering the things that had taken place on her last trip she knew that he

would never be willing to go all the way with her. Left up to him she would be waiting until she was eighteen. And her career couldn’t wait that long. She had earned a name with her Disney films, but she needed to make the transition away from kid’s stuff. She had, several male friends, there was Todd. He was her age, and cute. But she didn’t see Todd like that, which was a problem. And she wasn’t the type to just go out and sleep with someone she hardly knew. If only Colby wasn’t so stubborn about things like this. It wasn’t like she would ever tell anyone. She had told no one about the incidents this past trip. Of course who would have believed her anyway? She didn’t believe it herself and she’d been there. She couldn’t believe that he could actually want her. After all he had a gorgeous girlfriend, even if she was a bitch. Not that what had happened hadn’t been a dream come true for Mindy. But it had stirred up a confusing mix of feelings, along with her hormones. She was horny; she’d never masturbated so much in her life. Her body ached for something she didn’t fully understand. She didn’t have a whole lot of time to dwell on all of this thankfully. She had made another quick trip to California in early June. Colby had graduated receiving two masters degrees. She had flown down to attend the ceremony. She had stayed at Tom’s, since Colby’s house was full of family. She hadn’t gotten to spend anytime alone with him. And Teri had been there throwing a damper on the whole experience. June sped by and before she knew it, she was getting ready to attend the annual Farmer’s Festival with friends and family. The

Farmer’s Festival was a gathering of Lacrosse citizens for a large picnic held in the Town Park. Tables and chairs were set up the day before the event. Family groups and neighbors gathered around tables in different sections of the park. Mindy’s family gathered their neighbors from neighboring farms in their area. It was a big event, with a parade down Main Street. There was a costume contest for the little kids. Every year a different theme was selected. And whomever had the best costume won a cash prize. There were other contests as well. While the old people gathered around tables in the park to visit, the kids ran wild on the park playground. And area teens walked around town with their friends. Mindy was in the parade again this year. She got to ride down Main Street in the back of a convertible driven by her cousin Randy. She was considered a local celebrity because of the films she had written for Disney. It had been a big deal when she was thirteen, and had sold her first script. But now it was more of a drag. She’d spend the day answering questions from people. She looked forward to the following weekend when she would be camping up at lake Ponderay. She would get to see Colby who was coming up for the fourth of July. He was only spending one night though; he would have to return to California on the fifth. She couldn’t wait to get up to the lake. She had used some of the money she had earned selling her scripts to buy a boat. It wasn’t a real big boat, but it had a bed in the bow for sleeping, and a port a potty, so she would be able to sleep on the lake. Her Dad had rented a cabin

at the Hudson Bay resort. Her grandparents had not been happy about her blowing all that money on a boat. They felt she should spend it on getting a car and paying for college. She hadn’t told them she didn’t intend to go to college. She was already doing what she wanted to do with her life, and making good money. Her Dad was an impulse buyer, and so it hadn’t been hard to talk him into letting her buy a boat. Her parents had owned a Bayliner cabin cruiser at one time, but it had been sold in the divorce. A move that had broken Mindy’s heart. She had loved that old boat. So her Dad had gone boat shopping for her, he was thinking a small ski boat. But she had fallen in love with a bigger boat, one that she could sleep on. She’d had a huge debate with her Dad in front of a very uncomfortable salesman. In the end she’d told the salesman she would bring a bank draft for the full amount of the boat if he would just give her a total. “It’s your money.” Her Dad had muttered not really mad. She had always been able to get her own way in things. Besides she knew her Dad looked forward to cruising the lake in the new boat. She had purchased the boat a few days after returning from California. She’d spent a little over forty thousand dollars on it. But she still had plenty of money. She had a little over fifty thousand left in her saving account. And she would be done with her latest script soon. She only hoped Disney would buy it. Her latest script was entitled Through the Gates Of Heaven. It was about a girl and her St. Bernard. But it also had a developing love story. She didn’t intend to sell this one as an animated future; she wanted to move away from those.

“Hey Mindy!” She turned to see who had called out to her. She had been walking along Main Street; which was crowded with people waiting for the parade. She smiled when she saw that it was Todd.
“Hey Todd, what’s up?” she asked him as he caught up.
“Not much, aren’t you in the parade?” Todd asked putting a friendly arm around her.
“Yes, I was just headed in that direction.” She answered looking up at him.
“You better hurry the parade starts anytime now.” Todd said dragging her through the crowd toward the starting point.
“Slow down, I’m not at the head of this parade.” She exclaimed tugging on his arm.
“So did you sell another script while you were in L.A?” Todd asked slowing down a bit.
“I think so, I just have to put some final touches on it.” She answered as they walked . She had always loved Todd, who could be an arrogant jerk, and was really full of himself. But she loved him like a friend. He’d never made her feel the way Colby had. Of course, she had never done anything with Todd either. Maybe she would kiss Todd and see what happened. He was bound to be much more willing to go all the way then Colby ever would be. She just wished she could get Colby out of her thoughts. Randy was leaning on his car waiting for her. “Cutting it close aren’t you?” Randy asked her opening the door for her to get in.
I’ll see ya later.” Todd said before walking off.

“See ya.” She called after him. And so she did her little stint down the street. Waving to the crowd, and throwing candy to the little kids. She knew that the high school kids would be getting together somewhere for a party. She’d find Todd later, he’d know the where abouts of any parties. And as long as she didn’t get caught she’d be fine. The county sheriff’s department rarely came into their little town, unless there was trouble. Not that they were any help during times of trouble, just the opposite. On one occasion the bank alarm had gone off, the sheriff deputies had arrived and used the bank manager as a shield when they entered the bank. Everyone knew that if you got in trouble you called your neighbors for help first, then you called the Sherriff. At any rate she looked forward to going to a party.
It seemed like the week had dragged unbearably, but finally they had arrived at the lake. Her Dad was busy backing her boat down the boat launch ramp. Mindy had a hold of the rope so the boat wouldn’t drift away. She had already made up a bed in the bow of the boat. She had laid out thick sleeping bags that would keep her warm. It got cold on the lake even in the summer. Lake Ponderay didn’t ever get that warm, it was one of the deepest lakes in the world, so deep that the navy tested submarines in the lake. The water was cold, requiring a wet suit if you planned to be in the water for more then a quick dip. The Lake was surrounded by mountains. It was a great lake for fishing, and for seeing mountain goats. Once the boat was in the water they tied it to the dock, while her Dad went to park his truck. When her Dad

returned he drove the boat over too a boat slip, where they tied it up. They, then headed, back to the truck climbing in. Her Dad drove up to the cabin he had rented for the week. It was a small, one bedroom cabin, with a small living room and kitchen. The sofa had a pull out bed, where her younger brother would sleep. Mindy was the oldest of three kids. She had a younger sister Karen, and her brother Caleb. Her sister, was at home with their Mom, she didn’t like camping. Her brother was nine, and loved to fish. Karen was 11 years old, and a city girl through and through. They quickly helped their Dad unload the truck, and then Mindy put all the food away in the kitchen. The small kitchen contained the bare basics, a refrigerator, stove, and several small cupboards for storage. There was also a small kitchen table next to the window. The windows in the living room overlooked the lake. The cabin sat in a row of cabins along a ledge overlooking the lake. The living room contained sparse furniture, an old brown pull out couch, a couple of end tables with lamps. A Small table with chairs, the tiny bathroom contained only a toilet. Showers were located in another building. The cabin had didn’t have a TV or telephone. Although there was a stand for those who brought a tv of their own, like her Dad. “Come on Dad, let’s take the boat out.” Mindy urged impatiently. Her Dad finally got up from the couch he was resting on. Leaving the truck they walked down the hill to the dock, her Dad stopped in the store located on the docks. They all went inside to pick out some snacks. Her Dad visited with Gary, one of the owners. He had known Gary all his life. He’d been coming up to Ponderay since he was a boy. Gary’s Dad owned

and operated the resort. His name was Jim, and he resembled a giant. He was at least 6”6, and nearly as broad in the shoulders as a door, and as strong as an ox. Gary and her dad had spent years trying to throw him off the docks. But every attempt had sent them flying through the air into the lake. Mindy loved to pester Jim, and had been tossed into the lake more then once. Gary was busy filling her Dad in on the best places to fish on the lake. “Did you see my new boat?” Mindy asked proudly while Gary added up their purchases to put on her Dad’s tab.
“Your boat?” He questioned as he added the total onto her Dad’s tab.
“Yup, I just bought it a couple of weeks ago. Used the money I made selling my scripts.” She answered watching Gary bag their purchases.
“So how many movie scripts have you sold now?” Gary asked handing them their purchases.
“Five, and I’m nearly finished with another one.” She said taking one of the bags. “See ya later Gary.” She said hurrying to the door and bumping into Jim who had come in from the docks. “Hi Jim, come see my new boat.” She gabbed his arm with her spare hand, and led him down the dock to her boat. “What do you think?” She said releasing his hand to climb a board.
“Nice, writing movies must pay well.” Jim replied admiring the boat. “ Russell, how’s the farm doing?” He asked turning to her dad as he approached with Gary.
“Not too bad, looks to be a good crop this year if the weather holds.” Her Dad replied, handing the bags to Mindy. Daniel hopped into the boat and took a seat.

“Are the Morgan’s up here yet?” Mindy asked them taking a seat in the boat. The door leading to the small cabin in the bow was closed. She opened it to set the bags inside on the bed.
“Yup, Mandy was down hassling me early this morning. Their out on the lake with their new cabin cruiser.” Gary answered turning to go. “I’ll see you guys later.”
“Come on Dad.” She said impatiently.
“I’m coming.” He reached down to untie the boat. Jim went around to untie the other side. Her Dad climbed into the boat, as Jim pushed it back with his foot, the boated drifted backwards. Her Dad started the engine, putting it in reverse he slowly backed the boat out. Before turning, once clear of the dock he put it in drive and they glided slowly out of the marina. Mindy sat on the back of the passenger seat so she could see over the windshield. She liked the feel of the air through her hair. Once they cleared the outer markers. He pushed the throttle forward and the boat sped up its bow coming up out of the water. She smiled enjoying the feel of the wind on her face. It was a perfect day for boating, the water was calm making for a smooth ride. Her Dad headed the boat toward a cove where Gary said the fish were biting pretty good. It was late in the day, so the fish probably wouldn’t be biting but they’d give it a shot. If they didn’t have any luck, they’d get the water skiis out. They fished for about an hour and then gave up, nothing was biting. Daniel and Mindy took turns changing into their bathing suit in the small cabin compartment. They also pulled on wet suits that reached to their knees. The suits would help keep

them warm in the cold water. Mindy buckled a life jacket on before diving into the cold water from the back of the boat. Her Dad tossed the skis into the water, and she pulled them on. He then tossed her the ski rope, before slowly pulling the boat forward until the slack was taken out of the rope. She waved letting them know she was ready. The boat shot forward pulling her up onto her skis. She loved water skiing. It was a beautiful day to be on the water. They spent another couple hours on the lake before going in. Mindy was very pleased with her boat.
They spent the next couple days, fishing and skiing. They took several long cruises on the lake, enjoying the scenery. They got to see several mountain goats high up on the cliffs. In the evenings Mindy wandered the docks with Mandy and Ashley Morgan. They were Colby’s younger sisters, and Mindy had become good friends with them. Ashley was seventeen with long black hair. She was tall and slender, with the body of a model. Her breasts were small, but not too small. She had deep blue eyes, surrounded by long thick lashes. Mandy was the same age as Mindy. She had long blonde hair, and blue eyes. She was small in stature, the same height as Mindy. Her body was slender, with small breasts. The two girls were total hellions that drove their parents to distraction. It had gotten worse, since their two older brothers had moved to California. That left only Jeff, and he was too busy being a lawyer and chasing women. Ashley had taken full advantage of her brother’s total lack of attention. She had used his apartment while he was away visiting Doug and Colby. She had told her parents she was at a friend’s house, but

instead she had taken her boyfriend to her brother’s empty apartment. And she had promptly lost her virginity that night. Her boyfriend Mike had been nervous about using her brother’s apartment, but she’d gotten her way. She always got her way. She had been thrilled when Colby moved to California, he had been a definite problem. Her brother was psychic, she’d swear to it. He seemed to always know what she was thinking. She hoped she would be able to hide her lost virginity from him. Mike was three years older then her and would be starting his junior year at Washing State University that fall. He was studying to be an accountant a very boring career in her estimation, but she loved him anyway. They planned to marry as soon as he graduated from college. She was glad Mindy had come up for the fourth. Colby was always more distracted when Mindy was around. She would just avoid him as much as possible. She liked Mindy a lot, and she knew that Mindy was crazy about Colby, which was sad because Colby seemed to view Mindy as a friend and nothing more. He had been going with Teri for several years now. She couldn’t figure out what her brother saw in Teri. I mean sure she had a great body, but she was a selfish bitch. Everything was about her. She hoped her brother wouldn’t marry her, she thought Teri would make him miserable. Mindy was better suited for him, she was pretty Ashley thought. Not a raving beauty, but she did have big breasts, and guys liked that. Mindy was an open and honest friend who truly cared about others. She was also a lot of fun, and willing to try anything once. “Colby’s

suppose to be here in the morning.” He’s flying into Spokane late tonight, and will drive up here tomorrow.” Ashley told her as they walked along the dock. They were all dressed in shorts and tank tops.

“I know.” Mindy answered her absently. She wondered what would happen when Colby arrived. She had never been nervous about seeing him before. Teri was at the lake with her folks waiting for Colby as well. Doug had already arrived with his wife Monica the day before. Mindy didn’t plan to spend much time around Colby, she really didn’t want to see him with Teri. She’d always been fine with Teri before. But everything had changed and now what had once been a dull ache was a stabbing pain. She had wanted to scratch Teri’s eyes out at Colby’s graduation, which was stupid, after all Teri was his girlfriend. Besides she took comfort in the fact that Colby had cheated on Teri with her. Colby’s brother Jeff was in a rotten mood, Amber had broken it off with him. She wasn’t surprised; she knew Amber had been unhappy for a while. For all his good looks Amber said he was lousy in bed. And she’d gotten tired of Jeff’s slam bam thank you ma’am bouts in bed. She wanted intimacy and more foreplay. Amber was taking the break up much better then Jeff. She had indicated on the phone that she was involved with someone else. But Mindy had been unable to discover whom.