The Maze

THE MAZE

by

Virginia Llorca

Published by Smashwords Press

November 19, 2012

Chapter One

"Mom. Would it bother you too much if I went to Chicago with some of the guys from school over Christmas?

Actual Chicago?

No. I think it’s actually Lake Forest. You’ve met Patterson. His dad is an admiral at Great Lakes and they’re having a big recruiting, recreation, social thing at USO on the 24th. And they have that dinner for the guys who can’t be with their families. He thinks I should go. It’s my last year and I haven’t done enough of that community stuff. And I can kick back a little.

Play Madden for six days straight.

Mom, there’s lots of kids he went to high school with. And five of us. There’ll be plenty to do.

I think only TJ would really care. But we all need to start getting used to you having your own life. And Christmas morning he may not even notice. I guess it’s okay. You think you can maybe go see your cousins? They’re up North by the base.

Mom. I don’t want to commit to that. Don’t say anything to them. I’ll call ‘em if things are slow. Didn’t we just see them last summer?

Yeah. We did. But I have little enough family. And they are well connected. It wouldn’t hurt you to get a little friendlier with them.

They always have so many people around them and their dozens of kids. You know how I hate all that chatter stuff.

Mark. You need to work on assimilating your personality with your career choices. You need to settle down a little.

I have time for that.

I hope you do. Career Navy and the player image don’t mesh too well.

***

In the huge red brick USO building, near the Main Gate of Great Lakes Naval Base, Mark entered the gym and settled in at a long table filled with literature and free DVDs, all action, adventure, exciting recruiting stuff--light-up flag pins, glow sticks, t-shirts, little American Flag pins, decals, chintzy flash lights. Junk. He tried to hide his disdain at the phony marketing ideas he hated. He felt sincerely that the inclination or the desire to do government service of any kind was either bred into you or not, and he felt anyone attracted by this shallow show would be in for two years or be looking for a free education. When you had to make a decision about your country’s future, you had to put your own life in second place. Well, maybe not bred into him although his real dad had been a law man. But his step dad set the example for him. Not always easy choices, but you have to be up to making the right ones at the right time, or so it was ingrained in him. Not that easy to actually live that philosophy, though. In the meanwhile, he had a couple more months to mess around and be a kid.

Okay if I sit here, cutie pie? What’s your name? He deliberately maneuvered to sit next to the adorable little red head. Why didn’t she have a name tag?

Politically incorrect, Markie.

Your name is Politically Incorrect Markie? That’s a mouthful. I’m Midshipman Mark Raia. You can call me ‘sir’ and I’ll call you P.I.

Very funny, Mark.

Do I know you?

Well, I spent a couple weeks at your folks’ farmhouse last year, but you were too busy trying to get laid to notice your little cousin.

The Amazing Maze? Fucking Maisie? How are you Navy?

My mom’s dad was Navy, and her first husband was Navy. Actually she was working for the Navy when she met my dad.

You grew up a little. Not much though. Nah. I noticed you. Cute. Too young, too related. Too busy. That dude from California wouldn’t even let you go to the bathroom by yourself.

He’s just a very old friend, lifelong friend actually. Thinks we’re betrothed cuz of something I said when I was about four. You shouldn’t say the ‘f’ word around here. They’ll write you up. You’re in your last year, no? Don’t want to mess up now.

Have to be rape or murder to sully the record I have.

Yeah. I remember how fake and full of yourself you are.

Nice. . . Where does that come from?

During all this soul searching conversation, they were dealing with dozens of young people walking up for information about Navy Careers, enlisting, USO offerings. But, in actual fact, it was girls trying to get next to the overly handsome young man in the uniform and guys trying to get next to the cute little red head.

I could tell you’re a player. Everyone says it anyway. All show. Shallow. Selfish. All hung up on yourself. Gotta have a chick on your arm. Completely insecure. Apparently you haven’t done much growing up at all.

Is this your subtle approach? What gives? Studying psychology? Or just chronically mean.

I tend to be a little too introspective and don’t have much use for people who don’t go in for that at all. Obvious for you. Cute, but nothing behind it. I’ve known that since I was about five.

So you were already thinking about me just a year after you got engaged to ‘California’. I wish I had known I had such an impact on you.

Totally negative impact. Although I worshipped you for years. Representing everything I was determined to shy away from. You remember when you came to our place in Italy? Pulled off my top and mocked my flat chest?

Oh, shit. Now I remember a bunch more stuff. Your dad. . .

Shh. Don’t talk about that here, okay?

I have to go have a smoke. There is a little blue square outside that door where I’m allowed to light up. Come with me.

You’re allowed to smoke?

If it’s in my blood test, I have to do a couple hours counseling. Alcohol or drugs, boom, I’m out. Four years down the drain. C’mon. I need to talk to you.

Kinda cold out there.

Grab one of those sweatshirts. I won’t let you get cold.

He leaned against the building smoking, looking like a god. Getting to her. She knew the cousin thing was very vague, but she had no use for guys or relationships anyway. Just complicated stuff and she had way too much to do. Considered them educational opportunities only. And despite her unconventional attributes, there were plenty of those. But he had kind of been her benchmark fox for a long time. Nice when he kept his distance. He threw the cigarette down and ground it under his shoe then actually picked it up and put it in the waste barrel, which obviously few others had done.

He put one hand on her shoulder and felt radical voltage. Thinking it was just his dick acknowledging her closeness, he realized she felt it too as she impulsively leaned into him. Jesus, he said. What the fuck is going on here? His hand moved up and lightly grabbed at her russet curls. She tilted her head up toward him and he leaned down to cover the huge distance between the two of them, and they kissed. She wasn’t positive, but she thought the world had stopped spinning on its axis for just a second or two. She pulled away from him and grabbed the door pull.

You can get in a peck of trouble for PDAs around here.

Maze. . .

I have to get upstairs. It’s time to serve. And she ran up the stairs. A few minutes later, after one more cigarette, his body settled down and he was able to follow her up. He was trying to remember if he was hungry.

After everyone had eaten and most of the stuff was put away, a DJ started up. Dance with me, cuz.

Bad idea. But she moved onto the floor with him, and for a few minutes they couldn’t or wouldn’t talk. There was some huge force field being generated between them that was blocking speech and even thought . She was pretty ticked off about that, but couldn’t help but enjoy it.

Mark, feeling confused but interested in this new feeling, tried to resume light hearted conversation. .Tell me again why we’re cousins?

Aunt Teresa

Yeah. I remember her.

She was my grandma’s sister I think, or maybe my mom’s grandma’s sister, and she had a sister about eighteen years older than her who married your mom or your dad’ s parent or grandparent or uncle or something. It’s way past second, once removed, and that stuff. There’s a Bible, I think at my house, that has it all meticulously recorded. We are a little obsessive about keeping track of our DNA.

Yeah. My mom is totally like that. County Roscommon relative or Glasgow relative?

Not sure. Most of us seem to be both. And my mom finds out after she marries my dad that they have Glasgow relatives in common. Looks like the cute little Celt gene lost the battle in your case. Must pick on the females. I have three huge blond brothers.

My brother is totally blond. My dad was Swedish, Scofeldt, but had coal black hair. I’ll have to ask my grandma what she is. I never gave it a thought. My stepsister has kind of reddish hair, and I have no clue why. Maybe if I remember I’ll ask. My two little brothers are totally dagos. My dad gets the biggest kick out of it. Insists it is the only time he ever got an edge on my mom. He says they shoulda named The Teedge Vinny. And I remember how much your mom looks like mine. And you’re all so short. And you’re like a clone of your mom.

I’ve heard that a lot. Always followed by some commentary about how nice she is. My mom is the one who thinks, half seriously I’m sure, that we are perfecting a great supernatural genetic experiment.

Well, who was that obnoxious redheaded boy? He was like a barnacle on me. And he’s kind of a giant. What was he about twelve?

Ten or eleven I think. That’s Ronan, the warrior without a master. He’s our baby. They all call him Roony, except me. I love that he got the red hair. You’re not supposed to pick favorites, but he’s mine. I hope I get a son just like him. He is amazing.

I’ll give you one. Want to do it tonight?

You have a remarkably trite sense of humor. And also perhaps a bit premature.

Let’s leave.

Where would we be going?

Your house is just down the road isn’t it?

Yeah. But I get to stay out tonight. I told my mom I was staying with friends.

Just text her and tell her you’re with me. Tell her we’re going to Patterson’s.

Are we?

"Could we leave?

You drive.

The minute the car door closed, she turned to him and they kissed like the world was going to end any minute, sucking the breath and spit out of each other like they would drown. They were drowning. Go West down Peterson Road.

Are all redheads bossy bitches?

Some more than others. It’s a heritage we respect and endeavor to perpetuate . Turn in here.

Executive Suites? Maisie. Are you thinking?

Don’t want to.

How old are you?

Seventeen, but I have fake ID. And a Black Card. Sit here a sec and I’ll text you.

She dashed into the lobby where the skeptical clerk zipped the Black Card and saw she was a documented user, photo and signature, please verify signature, which was obviously the right one and incredibly distinctive face leaving no doubt. He reluctantly gave her a room key card. Have a good evening, miss. When he noticed the MacLaren connection he was on the phone in a trice.

She texted the room number to Mark and asked him to go get some chips and stuff and wait a couple minutes before he came up. The Inn was pretty busy, so it appeared he melted into the throng and the clerk didn’t notice where he was headed. Not that everyone didn’t turn to look at the gorgeous hunk in the beautiful uniform. But this Inn harbored lots of partying guys from the Navy Base.

As soon as he closed the door to the room she leaned into him and he could not think of anything but melting into her. But desperately tried, as he was going under, to save himself. I kind of have a girlfriend.

Are you trying to be faithful to her? I can understand that.

It’s not that kind of thing. . .

Neither is this.

What kind of thing is this?

Just a kind of I have to, I need to thing for me. You?

I have to. I need to. But. . .

But?

First of all, are you protected? I was kind of not expecting this tonight.

No. I’m not. But that’s okay. She had requested a deluxe room and it had one of those romance packages in the minibar with a split of champagne and two plastic flutes and three condoms which she quickly retrieved with the Black Card, wondering just for a second, how that was going to look when daddy got the bill.

Maisie. I won’t drink that stuff.

I need to. I’m a virgin. She chugged the first glassful and quickly refilled it.

Nuts. Shit. Fuck. We should leave.

Please don’t. And could you quit swearing for even a minute? This is how I want it to be. And I know what to expect. I’m not scared. The champagne warmed her belly almost instantly, but she was not so sure it was just the champagne.

Responsibility? I’m not an irresponsible person, but I can’t offer you anything. To give me that? I don’t deserve it.

That doesn’t enter into this for me. I know I’m not your type. And she peeled off her little sweater.

My type? What does that mean?

Plastic tits. Lots of makeup. I have no tits, little bit of makeup that’s probably gone by now.

Your tits are adorable. And the freckles are perfect. I feel bad you think that of me.

Shallow. Full of yourself. And obviously excited about this anyway. She pulled him toward the bed. Her boots had been left by the door when she arrived and she shucked her little plaid skirt, standing in front of him in a tiny pair of lace skivvies. She was undoing his buttons and he started to help her so she moved to the belt buckle.

All she felt was curious, excited, and a little bit awed.

Baby. Are you sure?

Shh. Just go slow.

She had pulled the spread back and pulled him down to lay beside her. He touched her tiny breasts and the nipples promptly responded. He stroked her and kissed her as she caressed different parts of his body. His hand drifted up her thigh into her warm creases. Want me to make you come first?

Why?

Well, I thought that was usual. And then maybe it’ll be easier.

And I’ll be all addled and numb and not notice what’s going on. No thanks. But so very kind of you to offer. Want me to make you come first?

Are you making jokes or what?

Kind of. But I heard that makes guys last longer.

Want to do it that way?

No. I want to do it this way. And she climbed across him and slowly eased herself down.

Okay. There it is. Feel that? He felt some sort of obstacle as he tried to slide in. Promise not to be upset if I bleed a little?

He had to catch his breath before he could speak. Bleed?

That happens sometimes. When you’re a virgin. I guess my mom and I share too much information. But none of my friends ever had it happen. Is it okay?

I guess. I suppose you would not believe me if I said this was a new one on me.

Like I said. Neither of us would expect your type to be virginal, would we?

Let up a little on me, babe. He wanted so bad to slam into her the rest of the way, he was actually gritting his teeth.

And she said, Okay. And pushed her hips down and gasped and groaned a little.

Hurt?

A little. Can you just hold still a sec?

Trying.

She leaned forward and rested against his chest. His gorgeous chest. Were I to need to fall in love, this would be an opportune moment. She grabbed his dark shock of hair and kissed him for a few minutes. He returned her kisses enthusiastically. She remembered thinking the tongue stuff was usually kind of gross, but for some reason she found it electrifying when he ran his tongue across the roof of her mouth. She put her hands on his shoulders and pushed herself back up. Back to business. The fleeting pain was gone and she was feeling him snugly warm, totally inside of her and he was trying not to move, but couldn’t help but rock in and out just a little and she felt a small murmur of sensation begin inside of herself that made her begin to move with him. Then he felt a strange tremor begin all around him and he got caught up in it and he said, Jesus. Jesus.

And they began to find a rhythm they both recognized and she said, Oh my God, Markie. Oh my God. And the waves swept her away from herself and she crashed into him and he came like a Mack truck. It’s so hot she thought. It’s so hot, as she felt him spurt inside of her.

No, babe. No, babe. No, babe. Why was he saying that?

They rolled apart, both a little stunned. Are you okay? she asked him in a husky whisper.

No. No. I’m not. I guess that’s why you didn’t want me to make you come first.

Well, I already knew about that part. I wanted to be in on the new part.

The new part? Which part is that?

The actual intercourse deal? I told you I was a virgin. And I guess I should thank you for making it such a pleasant experience for me. You are very beautiful and very adept. Want to go back to the base now?

No. No. I never want to go back to the base again.

Okay, I don’t want to rush you, but you have to take the little device off cuz it’s kinda bloody, and I need to learn about this part. So she watched intently as he peeled the condom off. Then what do you do?

Just put it in the wastebasket.

That seems gross.

They must be used to it, places like this.

I wish we didn’t have to use those things. I would love to feel that stuff pumping out of you without that in the way.

That could be arranged. You could go on the pill or something.

Like this is going to happen ever again? I think I don’t want to think about the technical stuff right now. Can I just lay here a sec? Or are you in a hurry to be somewhere?

Let’s lay on that other bed then. This one is pretty messed up. And I apparently have been in a hurry for about 22 years to be right here.

They lay next to each other, he holding her close, feeling like he had opened a door he didn’t even know existed. How fucking corny. She fits in here so neat. She smells so good. This is too weird. I wonder if this was supposed to happen.

What d’ya mean?

Like Patterson inviting me for the holiday.

You know Admiral Patterson’s kid?

Yeah. We’re on the same floor. He’s okay.

Admiral Patterson is the greatest guy. Being an Admiral’s son must have a distinct advantage in the Academy world.

Nah. He doesn’t let that affect anything. Most people don’t even know it’s the same Patterson. He’s a good dude, hard worker. Make a good officer.

And you?

It’s too easy. I don’t appreciate it. I know how to work it. It’s wasted on me. And I want to go into Intelligence. They just tested me for that this year, and they said I can do it in a Masters Program and they’ll pop. I’d come out a captain already. I feel bad taking scholarships from people who need them.

Well, it might be more helpful for some other person, but it is a scholar ship. And they usually let you refuse the money part. And you are like not sounding as shallow as you’re supposed to be.

I don’t really feel like I’m very shallow actually. I wish I didn’t have to think half the stuff I think. I’m messed up and you’re not helping that. My mom and dad have the weirdest relationship and it’s messed me up a little, I think.

You don’t seem too messed up. You seem like kind of a cool customer.

Yeah. You gotta be that if you want to be in Special Ops or Black Ops. And I can do that, but that’s work, that’s outside. Inside. . .

Inside?

You said I’m full of myself, but totally insecure. I don’t usually talk about this stuff.

"Well, that could be just cuz you are smart and tall and way good looking, and know it. But insecure, though obvious to me, does seem out of character. One thing I am not is insecure. I think I’m great. I didn’t have any trouble getting you to do exactly what I wanted did I? And I never do. And I never have to be manipulative or controlling. I could care less what other people do with their lives. Unless it has an effect on me. But why do your parents make you feel messed up? They seem to me to like each other okay,