Life on Another Planet Ch. 10-13

"Much better. The headache has gone and I'm okay now. I have to apologize, Sue. I certainly didn't want to ruin your family dinner. Not very good manners from a guest, is it?"

"Forget that, Jesse. This isn't your fault," she said forcefully. "I can't imagine what it might be like if I were to lose my family. What happened to you could happen to anyone. Come in and have some dessert with us at least. You need to eat something."

"Okay. I guess that would be the polite thing to do," he agreed.

Jesse had a piece of lemon cake with some vanilla ice cream, and it seemed to settle him.

"You've been very kind. Thank you so much for your understanding. I hope I can find a way to thank you for being so tolerant of me."

"There's nothing you need to do in that regard," Oriana said. "We're just happy that you seem to have recovered from your episode. Do you feel better now?"

"Yes," he sighed, "much better. The walk really helped clear my head and the dessert was very nice. I'm going to be fine, but I think I'd be wise to go home now."

"Perhaps we can do this again when you're feeling better," Oriana suggested.

"I'd like that. At least I'd be prepared for the images. I guess I'm having more trouble than I realized getting over the loss of my family."

"It's completely understandable," Howard said. "Take your time and talk to your guardian about it. She's a trained professional and will know what can help you."

"Yes ... you're right. Thank you again," Jesse said as he turned to leave.

Chapter 12 Fear of the Unknown

Sunday, October 16, 9pm

"How was your dinner with Sue?" Eve asked as he closed the door to the apartment on his return.

"A disaster," he mumbled sullenly.

"What? What happened?"

"I had a flashback and fainted at the dinner table. It wasn't just Sue, it was in front of her whole family. I really screwed up this time."

"What kind of flashback?" Eve asked.

"It was like the Chen family turned into my family and I was back at our dining room table fifty years ago. I felt dizzy and tried to stand up, but I fainted and ended up on the floor. I made a real fine impression on Sue's family."

"Oh, Jesse, I feel so sorry for you. You didn't expect all of them to be there, did you?"

"No ... I thought it would just be Sue and me. She introduced me to her entire family; two sisters, a brother, and her parents. I didn't mind at first. They're very nice people and welcomed me into their home. It was when we all sat down to dinner that the flashback occurred. I could feel a headache coming on and that scared me as well."

"Why does a headache scare you?" she asked.

"That's how this whole crazy thing started. I went to bed with a headache after I got home from the high school dance, and when I woke up I was in your hospital, fifty years later. Headaches scare me," he said forcefully.

"I can understand that, but nothing happened this time. You had a memory from your past appear unexpectedly and that produced stress which probably caused the headache. Don't read too much into what happened to you, Jesse. It hasn't been that long since you had your strange event occur. You're still adjusting to this new life and you have to expect that memories will come back to you now and then."

"I suppose. But I'm really upset that I ruined a nice dinner that was meant as a thank-you by the Chens."

"What do you think would be the right thing to do about it?" Eve smiled.

Jesse thought for a few moments before he said, "If it were my mother, she would find a nice card and write a note to them. I could do that," he said, looking at her expectantly.

"I think that would be a very nice gesture," she smiled.

Jesse sighed. "Okay, it's the least I can do."

Monday, October 17, 2011 4pm

"Hi, Sue. I didn't expect to see you here today," Grant said with a smile.

"I came to see Jesse. Is he here?" she asked with a worried look.

"In back, sorting some books I bought at auction."

She moved to the back store room and found Jesse sitting on a stool, looking through a well-worn book.

"Hi, Jesse, how are you."

"Oh ... Hi, Sue. What brings you here today?"

"I came to see you. Are you okay now? You had us worried last night."

"Yeah ... I'm sorry, Sue. I didn't mean to ruin your dinner last night. I talked to Eve about what happened and she wasn't surprised. She said it was a memory of my family that coincided with the scene in your dining room and caused me some stress. I'm sending your mother a card telling her how sorry I am about what happened."

She moved to him and put her arms around him, hugging him to her small frame.

"You didn't need to do that. We know it happened to you unexpectedly. It's completely understandable considering what happened to your family."

Jesse was both surprised and comforted by Sue's unexpected action. He was even more surprised when she gave him a kiss on his lips and a smile as well.

"Maybe we'd be better if it was just you and me next time," she suggested.

"Uh ... yeah ... maybe. I'd like to make it up to you."

"Aren't you forgetting something?" she grinned. "I'm supposed to be treating you for all your help with my paper."

"Oh ... okay. But don't think it has to be anything fancy," he warned.

"You let me decide. I'll let you know when and where. How does this Saturday evening work? We can have a late dinner together after I've finished work. Maybe Grant will let me off a little early if I talk to him nicely," she suggested.

"Oh ... well ... if you want to, that's great. Let me know what to wear and when to pick you up and I'll be there."

"Uhn uh. I'll be picking you up, so I'll let you know when to expect me," she grinned. "You are my guest, remember?"

Jesse smiled for the first time in a while. "You are hard to say no to, Sue. I'll be ready when you are."

"Good," she said, "It's settled. Now, what are you reading?"

He showed her the old copy of the novel he was scanning, telling her why it interested him. Sue once again realized that Jesse was quite a unique young man and one that she felt very comfortable being with. She was beginning to plot just what kind of a Saturday night she could create ... both for Jesse and herself.

Saturday, October 22, 2011 9:30pm

"That was a great dinner, Sue. Thank you so much for inviting me."

"You're welcome, but the night is still young. I have plans for us," she smirked, a look Jesse couldn't see in the darkened car.

Jesse wondered what she was thinking, but decided to wait and see. After all, her little car was hardly suitable for a make-out session, so where would they go on a dark, windy, October night? The answer was forthcoming when he realized Sue was heading towards her family home.

"Is no one home at your place?" he asked innocently.

"Oh no, I'm sure everyone is there, but I never did get to show you where my room was," she said lightly.

"Her room" turned out to be a small apartment above the large three-car garage at the side of the stately home.

"Wow ... this is all yours?"

"Yup. I talked my dad into having it refurbished for me. With all the other kids in the house, I needed a place to study without interruption and this was the best location. He grumbled a bit about the cost, but Mom suggested it was a good idea. My Mom is quite a modern woman," she said, again with a sly smile.

"It's really nice. It's a small apartment, isn't it," he noted.

"It was originally the servant's quarters when the house was first designed back in the 1930's, but no one has lived here since they sold the house in the early 1950's. It's a little old fashioned, but it's my refuge and I guard it from invaders. No one gets in here without my permission," she said, turning to him and wrapping her arms around the handsome young man.

Jesse was at first surprised at Sue's forceful initiation of their kisses. She was clearly the aggressor and it took him a minute or so to "get with the program" as he'd heard her suggest more than once.

"Does this surprise you?" she asked as they broke their embrace.

"Yes. I didn't think you'd be interested in someone like me."

"Someone like you? How do you mean?"

He stumbled with his reply. "I mean ... I'm a lot younger ... and not very experienced." He carefully avoided any reference to her race.

"So ... other than that it doesn't bother you that I'm Chinese?" she tested.

"No ... not at all. There was a girl in high school that I was always interested in. She was Chinese too, but she didn't date ... or at least ... I don't ever remember her at any of the high school dances and things. Anyway, Jeannie Lo was really pretty and a very nice person too. So ... I guess I'm trying to say it doesn't matter that you're Chinese. I like you just the way you are."

She laughed. "That's was awkward for you, wasn't it?"

He flushed red in embarrassment. "Yeah ... sorry. I was really just trying to say that I like you."

She smiled and moved in to kiss him once more. "And I like you, round eyes and all. You'll notice that we have complete privacy up here. Does that give you any ideas?"

Jesse choked up before he managed, "Well ... uhhm ... I'm pretty inexperienced, Sue."

"Does that mean you're a virgin?"

"No ... not exactly ... but I'm still not like a lot of guys my age these days. I've only been with one other girl ... twice ... in my Mom's car."

"Oh my, you really are just a beginner," she grinned. "Well, relax Jesse. I'm going to be the teacher and you're going to be the student. Despite our size difference, I have a feeling we could be very good together. But we won't know until we try, will we?" she smiled, kissing him forcefully once more.

"Uh, Sue, I didn't come prepared. I mean, I don't have any ... you know ... French safes."

"French safes?" she said, briefly mystified. "Oh ... you mean condoms. No problem. I keep a few around for emergencies. Come on, let's test out the bed. If you're a good student, I'll make you breakfast in the morning."

Jesse was visibly nervous as they disrobed, Sue putting on a subtle striptease for him. He had no problem generating an erection as she revealed her slim, lithe body to him. He was fascinated with her almost doll-like features, her small breasts and narrow hips. He worried briefly that she might be too small for him and promised himself to go slowly and carefully with her.

Sue had other ideas. She lay on her side, her hand propping up her head, watching him as he finished undressing. He was well proportioned ... fit and obviously interested in her if his erection was any indication. She was more than ready for him ... and had been for most of the evening, anticipating this moment. It had been a while since she'd brought someone up to her lair, and Jesse was a very desirable young man.

Jesse was generally ignorant of foreplay and wasn't afraid to admit it.

"What would you like me to do?" he asked as he rolled onto the bed beside her.

"Why don't we try some warm-up exercises," she grinned, slinking down to his mid-section and taking hold of his prominent manhood. "You can return the favour when we get going."

At least Jesse knew what manual and oral sex were all about, but he had very little experience with it with Juliet. She was happy to have him look after her needs, but was not so anxious to reciprocate.

"Shouldn't I go first?" Jesse wondered as Sue began to fellate him.

"Let's get your first one out of the way, Jesse. I'm sure it'll be quick, so once that's taken care of you can look after me until you're back in business. Okay?"

"Oh, yeah ... sure ... okay," he said, relieved. She was right, he did have a short fuse at that moment.

Sue surprised him with her expertise in getting him off. She surprised him even more when she took all his spend and swallowed it. Juliet wouldn't even consider taking any into her mouth, much less swallowing. When she did condescend to give him head, it was with the dire consequences if he didn't warn her of his impending finish. His climax ended up in a tissue. Sue had changed that game radically.

"You had plenty stored up, didn't you," she smiled as she moved back up and snuggled into him.

"Yeah ... it's been a while," he admitted.

"Just a hand job now and then, huh?"

"Uhhm ... well ... once in a while," he stammered.

"Relax, Jesse. I get myself off when I need relief ... at least if there's no one handy at the time," she grinned.

"So, would you like me to return the favour now?" he asked.

"Sure, but let me guide you."

She did, and Jesse was a willing student. There was nothing radically different from what he had done for Juliet before, but Sue encouraged him with both words and her reactions to his efforts. He took his time, just as Sue had requested and was rewarded with her first orgasm and a stream of whispered compliments.

"Oh, that was good Jesse. You really found my hot spot ... just the way I like it."

She reached over and plucked a condom from the night table, quickly rolling it on his erection.

Jesse rose up and moved over her. She took him in hand and led him to her entrance. Slowly, he pushed, careful not to force himself on her.

"It's okay, Jesse. I'm ready for you."

He didn't need any more persuasion than that. He increased his push and slowly but surely, entered her. She was well lubricated from his oral efforts and had become more insistent that he fill her. With her encouragement, he began to move inside her, slowly increasing his stroke. It had been so agonizingly slow in the beginning that he thought he might go off before he even got started, but fortune was with him and soon they had settled into a satisfying steady rhythm.

Later, as they lay together, Jesse had a sense of relaxation and comfort with Sue Chen. She wasn't a reckless, loose woman at all ... not that he imagined she was. But in this new world of his, young women didn't usually offer sex as a thank you for a small favour. It was a concept that he hadn't expected, even though by reading and listening to his peers he knew it wasn't uncommon. His difficulty was that he had no idea when to expect this kind of reaction in a modern young woman. Would Kirsten offer such a reward for a good deed? He thought not.

They slept together, both naked, ignoring the wet spot on the sheets. Jesse dropped off first, the tension being the drained from him after two sessions with Sue. He was drowsy, but happy as she turned out the bedside light and rolled toward him, holding him to her. Sue was equally satisfied and pleased. Jesse was just exactly what she expected. Careful and caring, making sure she was satisfied, yet not trying to exert his will over her. She wondered if she could keep him as a friend with benefits for the balance of her time at home. She also wondered if she could find another "Jesse" in Victoria.

Sunday, October 23, 2011 6 am

Jesse awoke at his usual time, just before six. Sue was fast asleep. He carefully rolled out of bed and headed for the bathroom. She hadn't stirred when he finished using the facilities, including the shower stall. He dressed quietly, donning his briefs, socks, slacks and dress shirt from the previous night. He tiptoed into the kitchen and checked the refrigerator. A jug of orange juice was prominent. He found a glass and poured a generous portion for himself.

Sue's smart phone lay on the counter. It was similar to Jesse's and he saw a set of ear buds attached to it. He switched it on and found the music and radio symbols, choosing the FM station band. There was nothing that he wanted to hear, so he switched to her recorded music. It was a mix of music that he still hadn't come to really enjoy. Even classical music would be better than some of the modern music that people were so fond of. He kept the volume low and looked around to see if there was anything to read. He found a magazine that featured local wildlife and settled on that.

Sue didn't stir until well after seven that Sunday morning. She awoke slowly, only then realizing that Jesse wasn't in the bed with her. She looked around and saw him over by the front window, reading. She smiled. He was such a simple and transparent boy-man. So often, handsome young guys like him had an ego that rivalled their size. Jesse was nothing like that. What you saw ... and heard ... was what you got.

He was "old fashioned" she thought. That comment about French safes was revealing. She hadn't remembered ever hearing anyone use that term for condoms. The only way she knew what he meant was from reading fiction. And his manners; they were uncommon in this day and age ... as was his language. He was a very unusual young man. But he was also a very thoughtful lover. She was very comfortable with Jesse Peterson. She hoped he felt the same.

Jesse looked over and saw her lying on her side, watching him. She was smiling. He felt good about that. It meant there were no regrets. He certainly had none. He couldn't begin to compare having sex in a bed with Sue to the furtive, uncomfortable sessions with Juliet in the back seat of a car. There wasn't any comparison. And Sue herself? What was their future in the short time she would have before moving to Victoria? Perhaps this was just a one-time thing. He hoped not. She was a patient teacher and he was a willing student. There must be something in this for her ... otherwise ... why the smile?

"Good morning," she said, walking over to him, naked and without a hint of hesitancy.

"Hi. I woke up early, my usual time. I hope I didn't disturb you," he said quietly.

She bent and kissed him. No tongue. She knew he wouldn't enjoy that.

"Sleep well?" she asked.

"Very well. You?"

She nodded. "Yup. Sex is a very good sedative. Nice dreams, too."

"Yeah ... I know what you mean," he said, rising to take her nude body into his arms.

"We'll have to do this again ... if you'd like," she tried, watching him for his reaction.

"I'd like that. You won't be here for much longer, so I guess a serious relationship is out of the question."

"Let's not get that far down the road, Jesse. Let's see how things go for us in the next few weeks before we make any plans. Besides, I'm still trying to figure you out. You aren't who you appear to be."

"What do you mean?" Jesse wondered warily. He felt himself stiffen. Was she guessing ... or did she know something? Had he given something away inadvertently?

"You aren't like any other guy I've known. I don't know how to describe it, but you are different. You're hiding something about yourself. I don't think you've told me all there is to know about Jesse Peterson, despite our long conversation before and during dinner ... and what you've told me before. There's something else, isn't there."

Jesse felt trapped. She was right, of course, but she didn't seem to know exactly what it was that had alerted her to his secret. For now, he would have to continue to plead ignorance.

"I don't know what you think I might be hiding, Sue. I'm pretty much who you see right now. I've had some horrible things happen to me in the last year, but nothing that I'm ashamed of. I'm not some criminal hiding from an evil past deed."

"No ... I know that ... or at least ... I'm pretty sure that you haven't done something terrible. But you have never said much about your family. What happened to them and why don't you have even a picture of them?"

Her eyes penetrated his and he knew he was trapped. He had to find a way to wriggle out of this. What would she believe?

"I ... can't explain everything, Sue. I don't know why I don't have a memory of what happened. Eve ... my psychiatrist ... doesn't know either. Something happened that wiped them away and I don't know what it was. The house I lived in is gone. It doesn't exist any more. My sister might still be alive, but I don't know where she is. Eve is trying to trace her now. Everything I owned was in that house ... and it isn't there anymore."