Natural Consequences Act 02

"I could stay like this forever," I murmured, as my hand swept through her glistening golden hair.

"I agree Matthew."

That evening as we headed back to campus, the cold autumn gale biting at our heels as I helped slip my jacket over the slim shivering frame of my girlfriend, we must have looked just like any normal couple enjoying each other's company; indeed we were.

As I escorted her back to her dormitory, holding each other's hand; I must have been the envy of many a man that looked our way. Perhaps they were wondering how a man like myself had landed such a blonde bombshell, yet alas this just made me feel even more fortunate.

As I said my goodbyes by her doorway, leaning down to steal another kiss, much to my surprise I was dragged through into her room; instantly greeted with a sweet lavender fragrance and a great selection of adorably cute girly things that adorned the walls and cabinets. Such as pop-band posters, childhood teddy-bears, and all sorts of elegant trinkets that were the hallmarks of a truly lived room.

Aine' lead me towards her pink quilted bed as my mind wondered how far she planned to take things, unsure if we were ready to take this next step in our relationship. As she guided me down onto her bed, she sensually wrapped her arms around my back and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. As my hands in turn wrapped around her waist, I gazed into her loving eyes.

"You're honestly the sweetest, most caring boyfriend I've ever had," she soothed as her enchanting embrace calmed all worries and anxieties. Her touch so velvety, so forgiving, so other-worldly that it gave rise a new sense of intimacy and sensuality that I hadn't yet experienced. It was clear Aine' was not quite like other girls, to her relationships were more emotional than physical.

As we laid down beside each other fully clothed, it was as if her soothing warmth had wrapped itself around my very essence; nurturing and comforting my every thought. Fully present with each other as we laid within each other's arms, her hand rested on my chest so that she could feel the slow-beat of my heart as we stared into each other's eyes mere inches apart. "I've never been so close to someone before," I whispered as we laid still, in utter silence apart from the soft rhythmic beat of our affectionate hearts.

She closed her eyes, and for an hour or two in late evening we just stayed in the same position together. For the most part I couldn't help but keep my eyes open, as even from this close-up, her deep ocean-blue eyes, beautiful complexion, perfectly sculpted nose, and nude pink slightly puckered lips; were all too mesmerising. This mystery girl has truly been my salvation out of a truly awful place, with her I feel protected, perfectly capable; and above all loved.

• • •

"Why do you look so happy?" Dominic asked as I merrily chomped on my cereal. I must have had the smuggest of faces, as I remembered the past few days as if they had merely been a dream. Whilst many students at one time or the other delude themselves into thinking that they have fallen in love, each and every time I thought about this mystery girl I genuinely knew this relationship was different; that our connection was real.

"I've met this most incredible girl Dominic! She is so sweet, kind, intelligent, and honestly is no comparison to Emily." I couldn't help exaggerate a little, perhaps in an attempt to make Dominic a bit jealous.

"Wow man! I'm so proud of you, how does she look?" He replied, quickly revealing his only real consideration when it came to girls.

"Amazing, like a Greek Goddess! Even better than Emily!" Whilst to anyone else this blatant boasting might appear as if I hadn't yet had sufficient closure, it was simply my way of trying to set things right, even if a bit immature, by placing my relationship with Aine' into terms Dominic could understand.

"That's fantastic bro. I don't know how a guy like you constantly lands all these insanely hot girls! I'm jealous!" Yet again came one of these compliments that just puts you down a level, that Dominic unknowingly rattled off from time to time. Furthermore, much to my annoyance I knew he wasn't really jealous.... More than anything he just seemed happy for me.

All of a sudden Emily came through the kitchen door, I hadn't seen her in person for a few days since my outburst and I could already sense the tension. Still, as she jumped down on the sofa beside Dominic, wrapping an arm around his back and resting her other arm across his chest; it was plainly clear that she was still trying to make me jealous. Though it wasn't going to work this time, as Dominic clearly looked uncomfortable receiving such close attention I realised that instead this could provide the perfect opportunity to flip the tables.

"I'm so happy for you two becoming a couple, I couldn't think of a better fit," whilst I tried my best to seem genuine; I fully intended Emily to recognise the undertone of sarcasm.

"Oh, we're not...." Dominic started to explain before being quickly cut off my Emily.

"I hope you don't mind that we fooled around here on the sofa the other day Matthew? Oh and a few more times over at my apartment," Dominic seemed to blush in embarrassment at Emily's not so subtle retort. Nevertheless, I knew I could easily win in this battle of wits if I merely kept up a façade of unfaltering smugness.

"Oh, why would I be Emily? I did break up with you after all," I could tell that this response hurt her; and even Dominic wasn't oblivious enough as not to notice what was happening. It was time to press home my advantage.

"I was just telling Dominic how I've met this most wonderful girl a few days ago. I've never met someone nearly as kind, as heartfelt, as intelligent, nor honestly as gorgeous before. She loves me for who I am, despite my faults," I leaned slightly forward as to give extra reverence to my next few words, "though most of all it's just so fulfilling to be in a proper relationship, isn't it?"

Emily smiled, realising full well the point I was making as she feigned more affection towards Dominic, pulling up her legs so that she was now sitting cross-saddle across his waist; one arm still wrapped around his back. If this show wasn't so obviously transparent and staged, it might have had some effect on me; rather it just made even more abundantly clear that their relationship was purely sexual.

"You're so right Matthew! And wow, I'm so pleased for you, and sounds super serious for just a few day relationship!" Emily was hardly even trying to hide the sarcasm in her tone at this stage as we returned quip after quip.

"That's a fair point. Though trust me, when you find the right person, there is just this amazing connection as soon as you meet. Our relationship might be more emotional than physical, though nothing can compare to the level of intimacy that we share," since it would be evident that I whole-heartedly believed these words; they were all the more certain to drive Emily mad.

She smiled and blushed, seemingly buying time in an attempt to think of how to respond; how she could salvage the situation to her favour. I couldn't help but show a smug grin at the sight of her being so frazzled, as I rejoiced in finally gaining the upper hand; my impending small victory made all the sweeter by my vehemently held believe that I could now finally move on. That no longer I would need to play such childish power games, instead finding solace, purpose, and companionship in a meaningful relationship.

"Oh, trust me Matthew I know all too well," she finally replied as she planted a kiss on Dominic's cheek, "You would be right to think that my relationship with Dominic started of purely with sex, mind-blowing acrobatic sex!" I would lie if this quite unnecessary stipulation hadn't stirred some arousal, despite this however it was just amusing to watch Emily attempt to justify some form of relationship between Dominic and her despite his puzzled face; despite the series of one-night stands he had had this week alone.

"Though over time, it was clear that we had grown closer to each other, more intimate. You know yourself Matthew, Dominic is so kind, so considerate, and of course it doesn't hurt that he is amazing in bed!" After Emily had finished her little speech, she went in for a long-wet kiss with Dominic, if not as much to help sell her story as to hide his confused expression.

"That's great for you," there was nothing more I needed to say, it was clear that she hadn't meant these words; they were only perhaps at the expense of my victory seeming a bit hallow now that I almost pitied her. I could tell Emily knew I hadn't believed her little story, the gleam in her eyes betrayed as much; I imagine from the start she knew such a spin would be a long shot.

"In fact," yet for some reason Emily continued despite knowing the game was up, despite everyone seeing right through her; her tale not as unconvincing as it was embarrassing. "In fact, Dominic even offered to take me out to a fancy restaurant tonight, didn't you Dominic? He is so thoughtful, so generous," she ran her hand down his cheek as Dominic looked utterly baffled. "Didn't you Dominic?" she asked again, this time without the feigned affection.

"Oh, oh yes... I did do that," Dominic replied, his tone so contrived I could hardly restrain my laughter.

"And you know what I was thinking?" Emily added as if in a moment of sudden inspiration, "wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity for a double date Matthew? What could be better than two great friends, sharing a lovely dinner with their sweet girlfriends?"

Of course, on the face of it few things were better than the prospect of such a dinner, however it was plentifully clear that this would be something else entirely in reality. The dinner would be a mere abject continuation of this tussling for power, played over the slow part of a couple of hours; the discomfort and embarrassment of which I had no intention of afflicting upon anyone no less my mystery girl. Though more than anything, as made all the more apparent by Emily's pitiful tale, I was just content in knowing that I had found meaning in a real relationship.

"Thank you for the offer, though I'm going to politely refuse," I replied as I stood up to leave; refusing to play her game.

"Are you sure you're not just scared Matthew?" Emily called to me as I walked away; the words stinging for the briefest of mile-seconds as I realised their full intention. Still, I continued to leave refusing to even dignify such an absurd thought with a response, content that I had taken the high road; and content that I had set things right at last.

• • •

As we sat during lunch time in the students cafeteria, rain pelting down against the glass panels next to us; I found myself one again silently admiring Aine' who sat opposite. No longer did I eat lunches alone or take lonely walks by myself; all time outside of class and away from my dormitory were spent with her. As I reflected on the events of the morning, how Emily had tried to desperately compete with our relationship; I couldn't help but smile.

"What are you thinking about?" Aine' asked as she looked over at me inquisitively.

Although the subject might have been a bit awkward since it involved my ex-girlfriend I felt like I could be totally honest to Aine', "The craziest thing happened this morning, Emily my ex-girlfriend..." Aine' playfully raised her eyebrows at this sentence as we both chuckled (this was exactly kind of the silly humour we so often enjoyed)

"My ex-girlfriend was so jealous of our relationship that she tried desperately to make out her booty call as some sort of serious boyfriend!" I couldn't help releasing the laughter that had been building up all morning; nor was the humour lost on Aine' either.

"She even offered that we could double date at a fancy restaurant," I continued to laugh as I even wiped a few tears from my eyes.

"Well what did you say?" Aine' asked.

"I politely declined, trust me whilst it sounds nice, it would be just a pathetic attempt for her to claw back some dignity. I've moved on, I'm just happy to be with you"

"Well, I know that!" Aine' replied with a smug smile, "You talked about getting revenge when I first met you, wouldn't it be fun to mess with them a bit?" I hadn't quite expected Aine' to be so devious, nor to even seriously considerate playing along with this immature game.

"I don't feel like I need to Aine', if I'm honest I've forgiven them for what happened," this was the genuine truth, even though anytime I thought about that night it still hurt; I recognised that I was in a much better place now because it had happened. Compared to the meaningless sex that Emily and Dominic we're having, my relationship had so much more meaning and intimacy.

"Are you sure Matthew? You know your best friend did have sex with your girlfriend? And despite this blatant betrayal, he has even continued to have sex with her? All I'm saying is it would be perfectly normal to want to even the tables," Aine' had a fair point, any normal man probably would want to seek revenge. However, I was different... perhaps by seeing the best in people I had tended to forgive too easily.

"Is it, is it," Aine' seemed to uncharacteristically pause as she considered carefully the next few words that would change everything, "Is it, is it because you're afraid that I might be unfaithful?" I let out a silent gasp, as I froze utterly astounded. These words hurt, not because I feared them coming true; they hurt that Aine' could think for a second that I doubted her loyalty. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything, it's just that plenty of people in your situation can understandably become paranoid, I would hate it if you had such irrational fears."

I leaned over the table, held her hand and gazed into her eyes, "Don't worry, I utterly trust you. I've never felt a connection as close as this." She smiled, before planting a kiss on my hand.

"Then what's the problem? Why don't we just have some fun tonight, once they see how intimate and special our relationship is, they will just be all the more jealous! We'll make Emily regret ever losing you, and we all know it won't be hard to make Dominic envy you," Aine' gave a devious wink as I couldn't help but be tempted by the idea. "Then what do you say?" she asked, clearly excited by the idea.

It would be a lie if I had never wanted to teach Dominic a lesson, to show him that the world doesn't centre around him; and that not every girl falls head over heels just to be a part of his endless hareem. The added bonus would be that I could show Emily that I had truly moved on, that I had found someone so much more special than her, who had my love and complete trust.

"Alright, let's do this!"

• • •

Emily was pleasantly surprised that the double date was going ahead, and since Dominic would have hardly any local knowledge having just arrived mere weeks ago; we felt obliged to recommend a restaurant and make the reservation. We purposefully chose a fine dining Italian restaurant, hoping that the formality would scare Dominic straight and indeed strain the budget of this newly arrived freshman student.

Whilst Dominic was capable of having a serious relationship, I knew that for at least the first year of university he would just much rather play the game; and who could blame him? The question was how much effort Dominic would contribute to this pretend relationship simply for the benefit of Emily? Probably none whatsoever.

Since I was in my final year of university before placement, I had been attending the odd job interview. Subsequently, Aine' suggested that I should wear this same dark navy suit, and as she finished tying my knit tie whilst I stood in-front of the mirror; I must have looked half-decent. Whilst on a student's budget it was made purely out of polyester, and the sleeves ran a bit too long; in general, the fit was good, and everyone knows there is nothing sexier to any woman than a suit.

Meanwhile Aine' wore a stunning blossom imprinted mini dress with a deep V-neck, that screamed femininity and was bound to reveal just enough skin to drive Dominic mad. I might have felt guilty for so blatantly showing off my hot girlfriend, if indeed this hadn't been all been Aine's idea. I only wondered what Dominic and Alice would choose to wear, I couldn't imagine that they would make nearly as much of an effort.

We arrived to the restaurant a few minutes before the agreed upon time in early evening, the sun just beginning to set as we entered the building. I helped remove Aine's coat and pulled out the chair before we sat down at our table. The dining space was quite expansive and upscale, with many mostly older couples already enjoying their dinner.

I had been here a few times before for my birthday when my family had visited, however this was the first time I have been to anywhere as splendid with a girlfriend. Whilst this night had all been planned, as I waited dressed in a suit, in a beautiful restaurant beside my spectacular girlfriend I couldn't help but feel so mature and successful. The waiters poured us a couple of wines, to which we found drinking a test sip before they poured the full both most amusing, since we were as far from a couple of wine connoisseurs as you could get.

Not all that surprisingly Emily and Dominic were running late, although time normally flew by when I was with Aine'; tonight, my nerves had started to pick up for some reason. She wrapped her arm around my back by the time we had waited for at least 15 minutes, "relax Matthew, we can call tonight off whenever you want to. The whole point is that you enjoy it, it's pointless otherwise," she was of course right; and I tried my best to relax.

As half an hour passed with no replies to or texts or phone calls, a few waiters had started to give us the odd stare and my patience had all but disappeared. "This is ridiculous. This was their idea, are they not going to even bother to show up?" I complained as Aine' patted me on the back to calm my spirits.

Finally, just as I had finished this sentence I saw the 'couple' enter through the double doors, their stride so effortless and confident they turned more than a few heads. Much to my surprise Dominic was dressed the part, with a pair of jeans, leather Chelsea boots, a dark roll neck jumper with a navy blazer; since I had never seen him in anything else but the stereotypical loungewear students call clothing it was clear that Emily must have nagged him no end.

Still I found myself much more captivated by Emily, wearing a full-length navy dress that was surprisingly more conservative than I had expected. What was her intention? Did she only own one good dress since I was certain that I had seen this one before...? Wait, yes of course, this was the same dress she wore the night Dominic fucked her; fucked her right in front of me! Suddenly my eyes twitched, as my fist slammed against the table without even thinking, wobbling the drinks and silverware.

Emily patted me on the back once again, "Stay calm remember," she whispered as Emily and Dominic joined us at the table; thankfully not noticing my outburst.

"Hey, it's so nice to finally meet you guys," Aine' seemed so kind and sincere it was clear she was a natural at this game; Dominic's eyes as expected lit up as soon as he had noticed this blonde beauty; not even trying to hide his glances as he eyed her up and down. Ordinarily I would have felt affronted and stepped in to protect my girlfriends honour; though tonight we had full well intended to send him mad with jealousy.

"You too! Don't you look two look wonderful," Emily replied in a much less convincing tone as we greeted each other. Whilst hugging Emily, as I inadvertently smelt that gorgeous scent I used to adore she took the opportunity to whisper in my ear, "You weren't lying, Matthew," I smiled as I glanced over to Aine'; indeed she truly was magnificent.