Very Secret Butterfly

By Bob Brandon

This is the full-length explicit uncut version of The Secret Butterfly. This book contains sexual situations and adult language. In a small narrow third story window, nearly hidden down an alleyway, a scraggly flower strains to capture the pale sunlight. To the average person it was just a plant, but to certain others, it opens the doorway to a lush, sensual adventure from Belgium to the jungles and capital of Brazil.

This is a story of awakening, discovery, love, sex, danger, betrayal and redemption. You'll see, there is no power stronger than true love. This cliffhanger will suspend your sense of time as the drama continually unfolds.

What if one day you discovered you had an amazing secret ability? What if you lived before? Do you believe in the absolute power of love? You will soon. The Secret Butterfly is a sensual adventure from Belgium to Brazil on wings of passion. Wild adventure and forbidden romance. Adult Fiction. ©2012 Bob Brandon

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bob Brandon
• Release date: Nov 4, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301811076

Bob Brandon

A lifelong student of human behavior, Bob Brandon loves people of all kinds, because if they are interesting, they will invariably end up in one of his stories. He has spent the majority of his life behind a microphone, on the air as a DJ at age 15 to voice overs on TV commercials. Writing is still a mystery to him, since he claims the words choose themselves. He just presses the keys.

Book preview

Chapter 1 Clouds

It was a beautiful spring day, still slightly cool but soft with the promise of warmer moments gently hinted on the breeze. A rare enough day in Belgium that everyone was strolling happily, soaking up the sweet sunshine. It seemed typically beautiful to anyone casually enjoying the scene. But this was no ordinary spring day. At this moment, events were being set in motion that would forever change the course of two lives.

On a park bench as lovers and families glided past, lost in their own little worlds, a young girl was daydreaming. She was very pretty, with a girlish body on the verge of blooming into a woman. Her bright eyes were focused on a group of clouds floating lazily by. But she didn't see clouds. If you direct all of your attention on something long enough, it will open up to you and reveal secrets only shared by an intimate few.

And so the girl knew these clouds were on a journey, from the sea to the Alps. They would soon join up with others of their own kind, building and expanding until they fulfill their purpose and rain life giving drops of themselves upon the earth below. These fluffy soft pillows looked so inviting; the girl wished she could lie down in them and fall fast asleep. And when she awoke, she would be in a far-away land, maybe even America.

Gina?, Gina, what are you doing?

The girl's mother was standing in front of her with a puzzled look on her still-lovely face. Her mother was French, with the unusual beauty that only French women possess. The sun was behind her, casting a halo around her head.

Nothing, just sitting here. She would never tell anyone of her adventures among the clouds. Somehow, she felt if she tried to explain it to someone, it might disappear. So it would be another secret she would keep. As the youngest of eight children, Gina never had to wonder if she was loved. She was the baby of the family, and could count on any one of her older siblings to be there for her. Her father was a wonderful man. But he passed away much too young. So it was up to her mother to raise and take care of a house full of children. No one could blame her mom if somehow, she didn't give Gina enough love, but that was never the case. She knew her mother loved her more than anything. It was the security of that knowledge that helped her through the loneliness that sometimes seemed to surround her.

As the youngest, she was pampered, but isolated. All her brothers were athletic, playing any number of sports and outdoor activities. Her sisters were all very outgoing and social. The result was lots of activity around the household, but no one seemed to have time for a little girl. So she would entertain herself, which is how she came to find herself on that bench.

Chapter 2 The Bench

The days began to get longer, and the warmer breezes blew from the south to the North Sea. School would recess for the day in mid-afternoon, with plenty of time for kids to play and enjoy the perfect weather before it was time to go home for the evening. And so the girl found herself developing a routine. The Sinjoren, as the people in this city were called, loved to promenade in this slender park by the river Scheldt, with the spires of the old city Antwerpen jutting into the crystal clear sky.

An older couple, still vital, and still in love stopped to watch a ship chug up the river, loaded down with the materials needed to keep the factories upstream fed. Just to their left, the girl was in her customary spot, wondering out loud what could have happened to all the clouds.

Maybe they're on vacation, she thought. Maybe they're mad at me. That thought filled her with fear for a moment. No, they're just busy, they'll be back soon. and so satisfied, she turned her attention to her surroundings. The old bench on which she always sat was weathered and faded, but she thought it was beautiful. The wooden beams that formed the seat were scarred with the expressions of countless lovers' knives. The words all blended together, but if you looked carefully you can just make out a name here and there.

A heart with initials, arrows and the word Love. She knew almost every inch of this stout old friend. But then she noticed here was something new: Just to the left where she put her book bag was a new heart with initials in it. It was obviously new, the lighter color of the bench's flesh seemed so exposed, so brazen to the girl. She was outraged that someone would vandalize her bench.

This was her bench and someone had defaced it. She had to remove the offending scar. But how? She didn't have a knife, and her nails would never make any headway against the old Belgian hardwood that had been hand-hewn by strong men in a forest not far away a long, long time ago.

As she pondered her next move, the girl noticed there was something odd about this carving. It had the initials, and there was a butterfly carved into the side of the heart. A perfect butterfly, in flight, holding something as if carrying it somewhere for safekeeping. The girl got down off the bench and knelt down to get a better look...and there clasped tightly by the butterfly's little hands was a seed. A real seed, wedged into the carving. This was too much for the girl to resist. She gently pried at it with her finger nails and it released itself into her hand.

What an odd thing, she thought. But somehow, she knew this was no ordinary seed. There was never anything ordinary to this unusual young lady. Everything had significance, everything was important. And so, she carefully wrapped this precious little seed in her handkerchief and safely stowed it in her book bag.

What could it be, she wondered. Maybe it's a huge oak tree, and it'll grow up and I can climb it, or maybe it's a rose bush, and it will give me beautiful flowers. She loved all flowers. Well whatever it was, she would find out soon enough. As soon as she got home, she planted it in a cute little flower pot and put it on her window sill.

In her little corner of the room, no one would ever disturb it, so it could get a good head start before she would move it outside.

Chapter 3 The Seed

As often is the case this time of year in Antwerpen, it was a dreary rainy day. Too wet to go sit on the bench and dream about far away places. It was oo cloudy to make out individual features, as the sky sprawled gray and uninviting. The girl's mood matched the weather. Sometimes being alone was a true blessing. No one telling you what to do, nothing being required, just pure individual freedom. It was exciting to be self-sufficient, to be able to make your own fun and not need anyone or anything to be happy. At least that's what Gina would tell herself as she sat alone, again.

Her mother was babysitting two small noisy children for a neighbor while baking pies and washing clothes. The sound of American Rock n Roll from the 50's and 60's was always playing. Her kitchen was a constant hive of activity. She made everything that was eaten in this house, and she was proud of it.

Unfortunately, this took most of her time. The remainder of her day was spent reading romance novels and attending the various sporting events featuring her very active sons. Thus the girl was alone once more, left to her own devices.

The seed she found on the bench had been carefully planted, and lovingly tended every day. Gina took care to turn the pot every so often to maximize the exposure to the meager sunlight. She talked to the still barren pot in sweet soft tones. And then on this dark and dreary day, it poked its tiny face from under the soil. The girl didn't notice at first, she was so used to a plain empty pot, when suddenly it caught her eye. A tiny, thin wisp of green was pushing aside seemingly giant pieces of soil to expose itself to the warmth of the sun. Gina's window was situated such that she only got about an hour of direct sunlight a day. She looked down on an alleyway between her house and the neighbors. If she pushed her nose against the glass and looked way to the right, she could see the river and almost see her bench. But that was difficult and left a smear on the glass.

The first thought she had was how to keep this little baby plant from the cat. He had a bad habit of gnawing off the tender new shoots from Mom's houseplants. It seems that cats need some green in their diets to keep their digestion in synch. This cat was always prowling around, even up here on the top floor where the girl's bed had been placed, almost as an afterthought.

Remember, she was the eighth child in this family. Having seven children seemed like enough to her parents. They were all evenly spaced about a year apart almost like stair steps. The oldest was 23 and the youngest 16. This family was nearly grown. Soon the last child would be off to college and the girl's mother planned to return to school herself.

But often, fate has a way of switching things around. The father was a powerful businessman before the girl was born. One day his company secured a huge contract and he took his wife out to celebrate. What began with appetizers ended with them rolling around under the sheets at a nearby hotel. Too drunk to drive, they decided to spend the night; after all, the kids were all pretty much grown by then.

The night of romance was spectacular. They made love in ways that had been left behind many years before. They made noise, since there were no young ears nearby, and they fell deeply in love all over again. It was a night they would remember the rest of their lives.

For her father, that would be the very next day. He was on his way to a job site when the car he was driving collided with a huge truck carrying logs. The load spilled all over the road, crushing his car. He was killed instantly. His wife was widowed with seven children, and unknown to her at the time, one more on the way.

Chapter 4 The Weed

Having never known her father gave the girl permission to imagine him any way she pleased. She knew he was well-known as a builder. His fame spread beyond Flanders and throughout Europe. Her mother always told her how talented her dad was. She tried to plant a memory in her daughter's mind and to a degree, she was successful. Gina always wished she could have known him.

Many nights she would cry herself to sleep missing a papa who had never laid eyes on her. So to compensate, anytime she took an interest in something her Mom had a tendency to go overboard. When she expressed an interest in a certain doll, her mother would scour malls for miles to buy every possible accessory.

Which is why Gina hid her tiny new fragile friend. It was secure in the corner of her windowsill on the third floor of this old house. The sun was glinting ever so slightly through the space between the buildings when she came into her room. Almost immediately, she noticed.

Someone had moved her plant. No one is allowed up here! Who would do this? Was it the cat? She ran over and breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed to be OK, just moved a little. Or did she just imagine it? She suddenly wasn't sure if she had left it there or not. Oh well, look at you today, she thought out loud. So pretty, what kind of flower are you? What will you be? She put it back right away so it could capture as much of the fading sunlight as possible. It was getting bigger every day, with new growth emerging and amazing her every day. Soon, she was sure she could determine just what this mystery plant could be.

Oh there you are! Gina's Mom was coming through the doorway from the stairs. What kind of weed do you think you have there in that pot?

It's not a weed. I want this plant. Gina remembered reading somewhere that weeds are unwanted plants, no matter where they may be growing.

Oh I know honey, it just looks like ragweed to me, and you know how allergic I am. If it is, I won't possibly be able to come back up here and help you straighten your room. Her mama loved drama.

It's not ragweed mom, I'm sure. I'll take care of it Just get out of here please, she was thinking.

Well OK, I just turned it so it could get better sunlight. You know you could bring it down and put it in my greenhouse window...

No, I needed a little green up here. I like the way it makes my room cozier. She turned and pretended to pick up her things.

Well do you want me to give you some Miracle Grow? You know your uncle Jac grows those tomatoes as big as basketballs with it. Her Mom actually seemed proud of that statement.

The thoughts of her precious little plant being distorted by some horrible chemicals made her skin crawl. No, this would never happen. This plant was going to be raised naturally, even if that meant it stayed really small and cute. In a way, she kind of wished it would.

Chapter 5 The Stranger

She was on her way home one day as fall began to cloak Antwerpen in its golden glow. The river walk was nearly empty, and up ahead she could see someone sitting on her bench. It was a man. As she came nearer, she could see he was maybe 10 or 15 years older than her. Not really handsome, she thought, kind of preppy like a college professor or something. She kept walking as she passed him, stealing a quick glance backwards to see what he was doing on her bench.

He didn't notice her, since she was in stealth mode. He seemed to be staring at the newest carving on the bench. The one that held the seed that grew into a beautiful flowering shrub. Gina had left her window open so it could get a little fresh air and was kind of in a hurry to get upstairs and make sure her plant was safe. But this guy had her interest right now. What could he be doing? Carving something on the bench? He'd better not, she was raging inside. So emboldened, she walked around in front of the bench and confronted the interloper.

What are you doing on my bench? She asked trying to sound very mature and serious.

Your bench? I don't see where it says this is your bench...oh wait, are you Benny? As in Benny loves uh...I can't quite make it out, Gladys? He was trying to be funny, unsuccessfully.

Benny loves Gloria She said defiantly. See I told you this was my bench.

Oh, OK, really, I'm sorry. I'll move on down, I don't want to make you mad. It was nice meeting you. You are really beautiful. and he walked off with his funny walk down to the next bench about 100 feet away and sat down, watching the never ending river traffic drift by. A flock of sea gulls were noisily swooping down onto a barge that precariously overflowed with foul smelling garbage. Having rescued her bench from unwelcome sitters, she ran up the steps to her house, looking once more to make sure he stayed down river. No movement. Good.

As she went through the front door, the delicious smell of her mother's cooking filled her tummy with tiny little growls. Mmmm, what ever it is smells so good, but first, upstairs to shut the windows and check on her bush. She had started thinking of it as a bush rather than a flower or just a plant. It had several huge groups of flowers that were kind of like huge q-tips, but covered with flowers. It smelled so sweet; she had never smelled such a beautiful scent in her life. The tiny blooms were clustered tightly in fluffy pink bunches. Her mother claimed to be much too allergic, so she never disturbed it anymore. Thank you lord for small blessings, she thought.

It was a very heavy plant. She transplanted it into this larger terra cotta pot and she felt a little unsteady when she reached for it. Somehow, her fingers pushed the pot forward and it started to fall out the open window. No! Gina dove for the pot and in doing so, not only managed not to save the plant, but she actually fell out the window and plummeted to the pavement of the alley, three floors below.

Luckily, hitting the edge of the wall slowed her fall a little, but not enough. She fell on top of the shattered flower pot, the blooms splayed in a ghastly pattern in every direction. The stranger from the bench heard the crash of pot against pavement and ran to investigate.

Oh my God, you're going to be OK, just hold on. He pressed her hand into his, but she didn't respond. He was worried if he moved her he could do damage to her in some way, so he called for help on his cell phone. The ambulance arrived in just moments. The girl's mom, hearing the sirens in her front garden, came in a frantic run.

Oh Gina! My Baby! What happened to you? Oh God, how could this happen? I'm a terrible mother. Oh please, can you save her? Oh I can't bear this. Please God please.

Her tears were flowing and the medics were doing all they could. They took her away in a noisy ambulance to the hospital, where she slept in a drug-induced coma while the doctors determined the extent of her injuries.

The waiting room was crowded with wheezing, smelly and very unattractive people. The lone contradictions were Gina's mother and the stranger who helped her. They found themselves sitting uncomfortably close to each other, hemmed in by large, unhealthy looking people on each side.

I wanted to thank for you helping save my baby. she said, trying to sound sincere. But for some reason, she didn't trust this guy. There was just something foreign about him.

Truly, I am just glad I was nearby at the time. She took a bad fall. I hope she'll be OK. He sounded friendly enough.

Well the doctors said she was very lucky. She has a broken wrist, bruised ribs, and a knot on her head. It could've been so much worse. She choked back a tear as he unconsciously put an arm around her shoulders.

You've got a spunky young lady there, he said, thinking of how she shooed him away from the bench. Her spirit is strong, don't worry, she's gonna be fine.

As they sat, the charge nurse announced that visiting hours could now begin. Well, let's go see her. Gina's mom was on her feet.

Oh I'll catch up to you. I have to get something from outside. And he strode off with his funny walk. It was kind of bouncy, which made his head bob up and down as his long legs covered the distance quickly.

On the 5th floor, the girl looked around her surroundings. She was obviously in a hospital. What had happened to her? She wondered. Ow! Her whole body felt like she had been hit by a truck. Maybe that's what happened; a huge truck ran over her on the way home from school. Oh God, her head hurt.

She couldn't move very easily, but she wasn't strapped down, so that was a good sign. The IV in her arm was dripping some sort of liquid into her veins. She was vaguely aware of the fact that she was naked under the hospital gown. Her back was cold. She felt very vulnerable.

The room was small but jammed full of medical paraphernalia. Hoses and tubes and pumps and lights and call boxes and a sink built into a cupboard for patient belongings. A TV flickered silently from its perch on the wall in front of her bed. Outside her window, she could see night had fallen, and the moon was out. It was so bright it looked like a spotlight, illuminating the earth below.

What are you doing? Gina's mother dropped the bag of clothing she was holding and rushed around to help her lie back down. While staring at the moon, the girl had pulled herself into a sitting position on the side of bed. Her wires and tubes were straining to stay in place.

Get back in that bed this instant young lady! I can't believe it, you break nearly every bone in your body and you're gonna get up and run around the hospital?! Her mother was breathing hard, wishing she had a cigarette.

What? I was just... Gina was genuinely confused.

She let herself be poured back in the hospital bed. Her mother pulled up the guard on the side and re-situated the nurse call button.

You are always too eager to push the edge of the envelope. Why can't you just be normal? her mother's frustration sometimes spilled out without her even realizing it.

Ow Mom, my head hurts. Can you not yell so loudly? She asked, wincing with exaggerated difficulty to drive home her point.

That's when the door opened and the stranger from the bench walked in.

Am I interrupting anything? His eyes darted between mother and daughter. He was holding a plant. Not just any plant though.

Oh my word! That weed! Ahhhchoo! sniff. Oh I can't bear to be in the same room with that thing. Ahhhchooo. She glared at the man.

I'll take it away immediately, he offered.

No! That's my plant, isn't it? But what happened to it? It's all bent up and half the blooms are missing. What did you do to my plant?? Her distress was real, and the machine that monitored her heart rate began to beep faster.

Oh honey, you don't remember? You don't know what happened to you? Her mother's eyes were filled with compassion.

I got hit by a truck or something...I don't..., she really didn't know.

You fell out the window because of that, that aaahhhhchooo, that weed! And now he's bringing it back around? I won't stand for it! Just take that thing out of here now please! she sneezed again for affect.

No! Put it over here in front of the window, that way it can get fresh air and sunshine. Oh my poor baby, what happened to you? She was fretting about her bush which was less than half its original size now in a cheap plastic pot.

The stranger had been quiet for a while now, carefully observing the scene. As he spoke up, his rich deep voice instantly got the attention of both women.

It's a Buddleja Davidii, originally from China. its scent is intoxicating to many species of butterfly, especially the elusive Pontia chloridice or Peak White as it's called around here. The stranger was obviously no stranger to butterflies.

What are you some kind of bug scientist? The girl's mother asked.

Lepidopterist, mom. The girl knew all there was to know about butterflies. She knew the Peak White was rare and not seen around here very often.

So if you're looking for a Peak White, what were you doing on my bench?

I tracked a group of Pontias from the south of France to this area. So I was walking along and got tired so I took a seat on the bench. While I was there, I caught a whiff of your Buddleja, your butterfly bush. Peak Whites cannot resist it. I knew if there were any of them around here that would be where they were. His face seemed so animated when he spoke of his butterflies.

Now that I think about it, I think I did see two of them not long ago, I didn't think anything about them being rare, though. She looked at the stranger and wondered who he was. Who are you?

My name is Bob Baldwin. I am an adjunct professor of Lepidoptery at the University of Maryland...

In the USA? Her ears perked up at that. The girl had always wanted to go to America.

Ahhhchoo! Oh my gracious...sniff

Mom, why don't you go downstairs, I'll be fine. she looked at her with pleading eyes.

Well I could use a cigarette. OK, I'll be back in a little while. and she was gone in a flash.

So you live in the US? she asked again.

Yes not far from Washington DC. But I don't spend much time there; most of my time is spent on the road, looking for rare specimens.

Tell me about America! she probably already knew all there was to know about America, but she loved to talk to anyone who had actually seen it.

Well, where I'm from there are all kinds of butterflies all the time. We have a butterfly garden at the university, and we attract Red Admirals, Pearl Crescents, Leafwings, Zebra Longwings, Monarchs... He was ticking off the names on his fingers as he talked.

Oh I love Monarchs. I think they are really beautiful. But not my absolute favorite...that would have to be the Owl Butterfly.

With the big eye markings on its wings, that is nice, you know your butterflies, uh...

Gina, Gina Baker. Nice to finally officially meet you, Bob. she held out her good hand and he actually kissed it. She felt the blood rising in her face in what she knew was a huge blush. Darn it. Why did she always have to blush when she met someone who she found attractive?

I feel the same way. Actually for some reason, I feel as if I already know you. We have so many of the same interests. He pulled up a chair and sat down by her bed.

Is that so? What you like butterflies, and so do I, and you like my bench. That's about it. Or is there more going on that I don't know about? She looked at him with an expression he found incredibly beautiful.

I can't really explain it, but I know you somehow, somewhere. It's almost like a dream. He seemed sincere.

A dream? She had been having the strangest dreams lately. She went on journeys with a faceless friend and they hunted butterflies together. A sudden chill ran all over her body. Déjà vu. She had felt it before, and once again the familiar yet unremembered experiences washed over her.

Just then the announcement that visiting hours was over broke the magical aura of the room. She felt herself brought jarringly back to reality, and suddenly he was on his feet.

Well, I guess I'd better go. Do you mind if I come back tomorrow to check on you? He was quite tall, and his blue eyes pierced deeply into her soul.

I would like that very much. Thank you for helping me today.

He bent over and kissed her gently on the cheek. It was a soft, loving kiss that could not be mistaken for anything else. Even though he was a perfect gentleman, she knew there was something special going on between them.

Chapter 6 Mom

Well...Bob, time for you to go home. Visiting hours are over. Gina's mom had just returned from smoking a few butts. She gave him a sweet smile which made him do a double take. And I need to get along too honey, but I'll be back first thing in the morning, the doctors say you can go home tomorrow. she seemed to be in a big hurry.

Oh ok Mom, Bob thanks again. She gave him her sweetest look. If he was heterosexual, he couldn't help but respond. And he did, she could tell. It was almost imperceptible, but she saw for a split second he actually blushed himself, and then turned away quickly. This was crazy; he was so old, at least ten or fifteen years older than her. Somehow, that was very exciting for this 17 year old. He was a man, not a boy like the guys she had known up until now.

Her mother kissed her on the cheek and told her to sleep tight and not to let the bed bugs bite. And then they were both gone. The room was quiet and almost lonely, except for the fact that she had her butterfly bush there to keep her company.

In the hall while waiting for the elevator, Gina's mom pumped Bob for information. So you study butterflies? That sounds really romantic.

Oh I suppose the beauty of some of these exquisite creatures could be considered romantic, but I personally find them clinically fascinating. From a scientific standpoint, they are so varied and adapted, that I could spend the rest of my life doing research and never find out all there is to know. He apparently loved to talk about his work.

Yeah, I guess that could really be uh, rewarding. So after you look at bugs all day, do you like to kick back and have a little drink? She hooked her arm in his.

Oh I'm sorry, I don't drink. It clouds my judgment. I like to stay clear and know what's going on around me. The elevator doors opened and they went downstairs.

Outside near the parking deck, she gave it one last shot, You know, I sure do get nervous walking through that parking deck, could you be a dear and walk with me? She knew no man could possibly resist a damsel in distress.

Oh sure, no problem. She was right.

As they walked through the darker areas, she got closer to him and grabbed his arm a little tighter. Finally, they were at her car.

Well thank you so much. You are in great shape, do you play football? She was feeling his muscles.

No I just try to keep myself in shape and eat right. You know we all have a personal responsibility to take care of our bodies. They are our temples. Oh I'm sorry I get a little preachy sometimes. He held her car door open.

OK it was really nice meeting you, I hope I, I mean we get to see you again sometime soon. You know where we live. And she started her car.

She motioned with her finger for him to come closer as if she were going to whisper in his ear. She kissed him on the cheek and patted his arm. Bye now. She called as she drove away.

Chapter 7 The Kiss

It was a long night in the hospital. The unfamiliar sounds of nurses and orderlies rambling up and down the hall all hours served to keep the girl awake. The sweet comforting smell of her butterfly bush seemed to help her relax, and before she knew it, the nurse was waking her in the morning.

You were a very lucky young lady. her nurse was slightly older than her mother, obviously having done this for a long time. Her professionalism was immediately apparent, as she swept around the room straightening and putting things right. She then popped a thermometer in the girl's mouth and grabbed her good wrist while checking her watch. The doctor's say you almost got a concussion, but the only real injury you have is your arm.

It's my wrist actually. she said after the nurse removed the beeping device from her mouth.

But you're right, I fell from the third floor, I could be dead now. The thought didn't seem as scary now as it once would have. Maybe after all she'd been through, she was becoming braver. Maybe after meeting Bob, she felt more grown up, more like a woman, and she always thought that grown women were very brave, often more courageous than men.

Well everything looks good here. Your labs are all back, and...yes, they look normal. So you'll be out of here by this afternoon. The nurse was gathering up her stuff and headed out the door.

Almost as soon as the door closed, Bob walked in. She was surprised to see him so early, it wasn't even 8 o'clock.

Good morning beautiful! he was happy as a lark.

Beautiful? You've got to be kidding; my hair must be a rat's nest. I don't have on a bit of makeup, and this hospital gown is not exactly haut couture. she self-consciously pulled her gown together, aware of a little breeze up her back.

No you are incredible. And so is this day! I spotted two Peak Whites while sitting on your bench before I came over here. He was really quite handsome once you got to know him, which wasn't all that easy.

My bench? I thought we had agreed you wouldn't sit on my bench? she was incredulous.

What? I thought... since...I uh... he was blushing and she found it very endearing.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha! I was kidding Bob. Ha ha ha ha ha. You are such a pushover. Her happiness was contagious.

Heh heh heh heh heh. Bob laughed with her and soon his hand was on her's. Their eyes met and the electricity was irresistible. Her lips were soft and sweet as they gently parted for his. The feeling of floating and falling and flying and spinning came over both of them as they were transported from this hospital floor to a verdant garden, where a gentle brook made it's way between groves of flowering trees filled with birds and butterflies, emptying into a breathtakingly beautiful reflecting pool. It must have been only a moment, but time stood still as their lips met for the first time. Then she pulled away. She was smiling.

Hrumph. So what did I just interrupt? Her mother was slightly red in the face. One might have gotten the impression that she wasn't very happy about her daughter kissing this tall stranger.

Oh hi Mom. Bob and I were just talking. there was no way she was going to stop smiling.

I think you must have been speaking in tongues! she clucked, and started grabbing anything that was nearby, pretending to get things ready so Gina could be discharged.

Mom, I'm going to have Bob drive me home. So you don't have to wait around if you don't want to. I know you were telling me how much work I was interrupting. So now you can go do that, and I'll get home in just a little while. the logic was hard to refute.

But we don't really know him Gina, I mean, who is he really? Just some guy who got lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time. Oops, Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned.

Mother! That is uncalled for. You know Bob probably saved my life, and now you're being mean. Why? What did anyone do to you? Her eyes were looking for any clue.

Oh I'm just tired. I'm sorry Bob, of course you can drive her home. I trust you completely. Sure, I'll go by the desk and make sure I don't have to sign anything, and I'll see you at home in just a little while, ok? Don't go traipsing all over creation. Her mother sounded like a woman from back in the hills of Kentucky sometimes, even though she had never been more than 500 kilometers from her birthplace near Paris.

After kissing her daughter goodbye and throwing Bob a withering glance that he pretended not to see, she evaporated down the hall. Bob looked at his young friend with renewed interest. She was making the moves for him. He was shy, but for reasons that will become apparent soon, he never had any difficulty talking to and ultimately pleasing the right woman.

They waited until the orderly with a wheelchair came to help her downstairs. Bob drove his car to the front and she got in. It was a red convertible.

A rental he explained. I like a convertible whenever possible, it makes my hair look kinda wild, but I love the freedom. He said as he shut the door behind her and handed her the seat belt.

As they drove through the town, she suggested he turn off the road down a country lane. The trees were thick and plentiful. They were green and leafy, making a cozy canopy over the roadway. As they emerged into the sunlight in a moment, they were in a clearing where the evidence of past lover's meetings were apparent. Some bottles, cigarette butts, and other personal artifacts left by careless lovers in a heated hurry.

As they sat back and breathed the cool fresh air that filtered through the forest around them, she spoke first.

Ok, you've got some explaining to do buster. Who are you really, and what are you doing messing around my bench? She tried to sound stern.

Oh we're back to the bench again? OK, I didn't tell you any lies. Everything I said is true. I am on a hunt for rare specimens right now. But there are some things I didn't mention. He looked a little afraid.

Go on. she said curtly, adding nothing more than necessary.

Well, I guess I should start from the beginning. he said.

Yeah, that's the idea. Tell me what the heck is going on, and what you are up to, because I know there is something weird happening with you. She was very intelligent.

First of all, I want to assure you everything I say will be true. No matter how unbelievable it may sound, it is all true. So I suggest you suspend your sense of reality for the next few minutes, or you won't be able to accept what I have to say. He looked very serious again.

Go on...

Well, this is always the hard part... He was searching for a way to say something important, she could tell. Have you had any unusual dreams lately? Maybe about traveling or butterflies?

How did you...wait, I must have told you when I was knocked out. How else could you know? She was looking directly in his eyes.

Because I have the same dreams, except they aren't dreams. They're real. He didn't seem to be kidding.

Uh haha ha ha...that's really funny. I guess we can go home now, ok? Suddenly she didn't feel quite as secure with this strange guy.

Look, you always say that. Here. he handed her a slim book. On the cover, in gold embossed text were the words, Het Geheim Van De Vlinder written in Dutch.

The Secret Of The Butterfly? I think I've seen this somewhere before, but I don't know where... she was genuinely puzzled.

He started the car and said, Take it home and read it tonight. In the morning we'll talk again. and he drove down the lane without another word.

They made small talk on the way back to her house. He opened her door and helped her up the steps like a perfect gentleman. She invited him in, but he deferred, saying he had something important to attend to. He would be back in the morning. And then he was gone.

Chapter 8 Back Home

As Bob loped toward his car, she couldn't help but wonder what was up with this guy. He seemed normal enough, until he started talking. Then he spouted all this weird metaphysical stuff and got a strange far-off look in his eyes. And what about when they kissed? She knows she actually left that hospital room. She could feel the soft breeze, hear the birds and smell the flowers. The brook's gentle ripple was so peaceful, it had to be real, but it defied reality.

People can't just be instantly transported from one place to another. It just isn't physically possible. Or was it? Her head started to spin from all the new thoughts that were coursing through it. It felt as if her brain was being stretched and stuffed full of new ideas. It wasn't entirely unpleasant. She had the feeling of anticipation one gets on a ship approaching a new island. You start to see if way off in the distance. Maybe the first evidence is a flock of circling sea birds. Then there's a whiff of the island's flora, and your first glimpse of land as a tiny dot on the horizon. The feeling of elation wells up and overwhelms the sea-weary traveler. And so it was with Gina.

Even though she was still very young, she felt much older inside. There was an innate knowledge that permeated her in a way most 17 year olds could never imagine. There was also a spring in her step, even though her body was wracked with pain as she made her way up the stairs to her little hideaway. She was carrying her butterfly bush and was close to falling down the stairs several times. Her brother, Hans came along and helped her hobble the rest of the way up.

This is really a beautiful flower, he said. Hans loved to garden. It's a butterfly bush, isn't it? I saw a lot of butterflies outside my window, and now I know where they were going. Hans put the plant on the windowsill at Gina's direction.

Thanks for helping me. I hope I don't stay sore like this for long. she winced in real pain.

You may have to move downstairs and sleep in the den. Hans was trying to be helpful.

Noooo, I don't think I'll be doing that. Thank you, Hans. I'll see you later. She waved her good hand in a dismissive manner.

She had some reading to do, and she made herself comfy on the bed and opened up the strange book.

Downstairs, the sound of Motown kept her mom dancing around as she made a pie and cooked dumplings. While she worked her mind was whirring like a blender, mixing all the thoughts and suspicions together. This man Bob was trouble. She knew it. But maybe it was because he didn't respond to her come on. But if he had, then she would know for sure he wasn't the right man for her daughter. But he didn't take the bait, but it still didn't mean he was a good guy, just sneaky.

She didn't trust a man who didn't stare at her tits most of the time he was talking to her. It was just a normal thing that normal men did. She didn't really like it, but to be honest, OK, she really did savor the attention whenever possible. Some women didn't understand she wasn't trying to take their husbands, she was just being herself. Was it her fault if they fell all over themselves to do things for her? Of course not. But this Bob character. There was something odd about this cowboy.

Meanwhile, Bob was on the other side of the city, in a peaceful garden meditating. The gentle brook trickled sensuously through the little hidden oasis. He needed the serenity of this garden and its soft scents to help him recharge and wait for the next step of this drama to unfold. Once she reads the book, he thought, there will be no doubt in her mind, and we can be together.

He missed the perfect touch of a woman. He missed the way she could made him feel and how he knew everything would always work out as long as she was by his side. It had been too long. Now he was going to get that feeling again. The joy inside him threatened to bring him to his feet, so he took a deep breath and thanked God for never-ending kindness. The only thing left to do now was wait. The morning would come so slowly.

Chapter 9 The Secret

Het Geheim Van De Vlinder was a hand-written book that appeared to be very old. The pages were of an unusual texture. Rag paper she suspected, like was used in the olden days. This book seemed ancient. It was written in old Dutch, obviously using great care. As she thumbed through its few pages, she saw full-color illustrations of various beautiful butterflies. They were pictures of butterflies she had never seen before, and she prided herself on knowing everything there is to know about any subject that captured her fancy. So this was a book about butterflies. She thought to herself, ok, what's the big deal? But as her eyes took in the first sentence, it was apparent this was not a book about flying insects.

"If you are reading this and are not authorized, close this book now to avoid certain doom." Whoa, what kind of book starts with that kind of warning? Well it didn't apply to her, after all Bob gave her the book to read. That was authorization enough. So she started a process that seemed new but somehow familiar. There was the nagging feeling that this was a story she had read before. Was it Déjà vu again? No, suddenly the warmth of recognition started to flood her body. Like slipping into a warm sauna, the knowledge granted by the book seeped into every pore.

"You are more than you appear to the average person who sees you."

So far so good. She knew she was different, but she just didn't know to what extent.

"You are an immortal, timeless and free."

Hmm, maybe that accounts for how she was able to avoid certain death when she was five years old. A ship had run aground at the main city dock, crushing dozens of dockworkers and visitors. One of the groups of visitors was from her nursery school, on a tour of one of the large ships that were moored there. All the other children had gone on ahead, but she couldn't find her mittens. In an instant, the world turned upside down as the ship crushed the buildings on the quay. Several people lost their lives, but she didn't even get a scratch. Maybe she was immortal.

You and your spouse know each other intimately, as only two who have been joined for many lifetimes could be.

Spouse? I'm not married, this part must be for someone else, she thought. And many lifetimes? She wondered if that could be true...

"Yes, you have lived lives besides the one in which you find yourself now. Many, many times have you walked upon this earth, as different beings."

Beings? Not people? This was starting to get good.

Honey, whatcha got there? Her mom's face popped through her door and her eyes pried for info.

Oh nothing, just a library book. Never you mind, she thought.

Oh? Do you need me to take it back for you? You don't want a fine you know. Mom was always so helpful.

Mom, I have a broken wrist, but there's nothing wrong with my eyes. I can read just fine, and I was enjoying this particular book quite a bit. Her smile could give her away if she weren't more careful.

Well OK, it's about time for dinner, you want to come down, or should I bring it up for you?

Really? I can have dinner up here? Cool! That settled it. Mom went downstairs to put together one of her award-winning meals on a tray. If anyone understood the art form of meals on a tray, it was Mom. She even includes a flower in a bud vase. Presentation is everything, you know. After mom's footsteps receded down the steps, the girl reopened the book.

...You have explored the farthest reaches of the planet, climbing to the pinnacle of every peak, and plumbing the depth of the deepest lushest valleys. Almost like poetry, she thought.

The secrets of all creation are yours to know, but only in your original form. As a human, you are too limited to comprehend the vast variety of life and environs there are. This was beginning to sink in. Her memory was slowly returning.

Humans have the advantage of size, strength and community, but they are missing something that you have. They do not understand the secret of the Butterfly. Yes, The Secret.

As butterflies, you and your soul mate have total freedom and happiness. As butterflies, you seem innocent and harmless to most, allowing you to pass peacefully by and enjoy the deepest beauty of nature. Yes, now she remembered.

It was a wonderful life she lived last. She was a wife and soon to be young mother, when an avalanche crushed the entire village under tons of snow. She remembers now, how the light was blocked out, and then the walls closed in. It was quick, she knows that now, quick and merciful. And now, she was back!

"You are timeless, and immortal, but there is one important point. You only live as long as the form which you take lives. As a human, you are strong, yet frail. Accidents, illness, old age all take their toll." Yes, and this time, she promised herself she was going to be more careful. Ow, her wrist gave her a sharp pain as if to remind her, she'd already started down a reckless path.

"After your death, your husband was devastated. He searched the entire world over, but knew he had lost you, but only for a while. After each metamorphosis, or change, you grow up again. Only upon entering adulthood, when you would be ready for a mate, can your spouse locate you."

Bob! Bob was her spouse. There is always an awkward period when she and her husband first meet in their new forms. They are almost like strangers, with a twist.

"You are beings called Ziel Verwanten, Soul Mates, you mate for life, and are connected in a way only you two can understand. But that connection is only apparent when you are fully a woman, and he is fully a man...when we are at the stage of development called the imago. So there are times you find yourselves separated, and as you grow from a baby, you may find that all your knowledge of the past seems lost. But it is merely covered, kept for safekeeping until you are ready to use it again. Welcome back into the secret society. Welcome to the Secret of the Butterfly"

Yessss! She knew now, this was true. She was timeless, maybe thousands of years old, but she felt like a 17 year old girl in Belgium. And now her man, her Ziel Verwanten, had come to claim her again. She was so excited she almost forgot her injuries and jumped up off the bed in a little dance. Ow ow, these human bodies are nice, especially for kissing and cuddling, that is until they get hurt she thought to herself. She wanted to see Bob and hold him, look into his eyes and kiss him long and deep. Her husband was so near after so long, and she felt herself missing him as she fell fast asleep after her big day.

Chapter 10 The First Time

No I don't think you should be bothering her today, she needs to rest, Bob. Mom's voice was loud enough to carry up three flights of stairs!

Mom! What are you doing to my hus...I mean what are you doing to Bob? Let him in! She was so happy, she felt as if she could float down there and kiss him right in front of her mother. She felt a lightness she had never experienced before. Almost like a...butterfly!

Well, lucky for you, she wants to see you Bob. Top of the stairs and keep climbing. Mom disappeared back into the kitchen and her casserole. At the top of the steps, Gina stood impatiently, what was taking him so long?

Come on you big handsome husband! Did she say that out loud? Who cares! They WERE married. In a past lifetime, and they do mate for life. So this was only natural. She wanted to see him very badly, when he stuck his head up from below and gave her a sexy wink. It was just seconds before he had her in his arms and he was pushing her back onto her bed.

The attraction was immediate, natural and so perfect. His lips met hers at an angle that can only be achieved when two people are made for each other. Everything about the caress filled each of them with molten desire. Suddenly, womanly emotions affected her in a way she had never known as Gina Baker.

This was warm and perfect and new at the same time. Bob said later they used to joke how they never got tired of each other since they would change bodies every so often. And he was right. This was incredibly exciting. She felt her body respond to him, and soon, they were both grabbing at clothing, she undressing him, and he gently helping her around her cast. After a while, they decided to leave her blouse on, and just take everything else off. It was so decadent to almost be naked, but not quite. He looked at her with the eyes of a man who is gazing at the most important person in his whole life. She felt him looking into her, not just outside. It was as if he could see her soul, and she loved it. He knew all of her secrets, and she knew his. They were made for each other and now their union was being made again. She felt the new body of her husband as his heart beat against her cheek. She heard his body and felt his masculinity. He wanted her and she knew it. But she was still technically a virgin, and as a result, she was nervous. What if it hurt? Oh what if she wasn't any good? So many doubts, so many worries, all suddenly washed away. He looked at her and said,

Don't worry, you are so beautiful, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I adore you, and I live for you. My life is yours, and I live to please you. His blue eyes shown brightly as he talked to his wife.

Yessss. Oh yes. Please me. Oh Bob, I want to be pleased. She let her head fall backwards as he ravished her with kisses, up and down her sides. Starting at her shoulder, he kissed under each arm, it really tickled, but turned her on more. Down each side, tickles again, but sooo hot...down each hip and then across to the inside of her thigh...slowly moving downward. She was surprised when he didn't just dive right in and start kissing her between the legs. But he seemed to understand a woman needs time to build, and gently getting her warmed up was what he had in mind.

He covered her in kisses up her belly until he was on the underside of her breasts. He licked them very gently with little kitty cat licks, and then the same on each nipple. It drove her wild. She began to buck around like a bronco, moving her hips to touch him in a very personal way. He kept sucking and kissing her titties until she began to really flow. Her dampness was such a turn on for Bob, he had to move down and kiss and lick her womanhood for the first time.

He was amazed and fascinated by her beauty. He had seen other women before, but none of them had ever affected him like this. His soul mate was always recognizable no matter what form she took. He loved her and soon was making love to her with his mouth. The waves of pleasure followed as his expert tongue moved in and out and all around inside and over and under. He was ravenous, starving for her. She happily fed him, and now found herself on a roller coaster quickly headed over the top. He stayed right with her and held her as the contractions eased away.

He was so tender, and loving, she knew this was how it was always supposed to be. She looked deeply into his brilliant blue eyes and pulled him to her. She reached down and guided his manhood to where she needed him. It was like heaven all over again. So slowly, then faster, deep and hard, then gently, he made love to her as a musician plays a violin. The music was even more beautiful. As it came to a crescendo, and they both felt the passion at the same moment, they vowed to each other never to part again. They were back together at last.

As they lay together, satisfied in each others arms, they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. They scrambled to look as normal as possible, which meant Bob dove behind the door and pulled on his clothing, while Gina pulled the covers up around her neck. Her brother Hans was standing there wondering why she had such a strange expression on her face.

Are you sick? Do you need me to get you anything? He was always such a good brother.

Oh no, I'm fine Hans, thanks for being so sweet. Bob and I were just, uh talking. She looked over as Bob stepped from behind the door with a sheepish look on his face.

Oh hi Bob, good to meet you, I'm Gina's next oldest brother, Hans. He was wondering what this guy was doing behind the door.

I dropped a coin and it rolled over here he said, thinking on his feet. Never did find it. Oh well.

His curiosity satisfied, Hans turned and said over his shoulder: Mom says come down for breakfast anytime now. You know her, that means now! and he trudged back down the stairs.

OK, tell her we'll be there in just a minute. Gina was quickly pulling her clothing back on and trying to fix her hair.

Don't do a thing, Bob whispered. You are so perfect this way, a little mussed up after making love to your man. He reached out and folded her into his arms.

She felt herself flush a little, and warm to his touch. A deep soulful kiss, and before long, they would be back under the covers again. No, we have to go downstairs, she thought, and she willed herself to pull away from her husband.

Come on Bobje, she said, using the Dutch familiar form of his name, let's go down and face the music!

She was still very sore, and the cast on her wrist didn't help. He gently helped her down the steps, lovingly helping her avoid any further discomfort. It was as if he felt every stab of pain in her