The Winter Artist

“And that concludes the 12 o’clock news. I’m Allison Banks. Have a nice day.” The light on the camera went dark and Allison bolted from the chair. She walked by her co-workers and the technical crew, responding with a stoic word of thanks for those who complemented her with a “Great show.”

At the age of 26, Allison was at her peak of her life. Standing 5’ 5”, her weight had stayed at 115 pounds every since she hit puberty but most of the weight was located in her 38D and making her the number one girl wanted in bed for a lot of the male watchers, both single and married. Her long blonde hair was tied up in a tight ponytail and she wore only a hint of makeup, just matching lipstick and a hint of powder. If you tried looking up her love life, you wouldn’t find it even if hired private eye to dig. She pays more attention on her career then on who’s the hunk of the week. Her co-workers, well those that despised her, tended to label her as an Ice Queen, devoid of any human emotion.

She made it to her dressing room and began to open the door when a heavy hand was placed on it, slamming it closed. A pair of blue eyes looked at the person who was delaying her and groaned in her head when she saw the salt and pepper hair, the graying moustache and the checkered blazer.

“Hey Allison,” greeted Roger Wheat, the sportscaster for the later 6 o’clock news. Ever since she joined, he’s been trying to get into her pants, unsuccessfully, she might add. There were several reasons why she should never go for someone like him. One, was married – been married for twelve years. Second, he was 59 years old, almost twice her age. And third, she would never date someone who worked with her. Too much of a distraction in her opinion and besides, she’s not that desperate.

“How about you and I get lunch today? You’re free. I’m free. It’s perfect,” he said grinning as he leaned forward towards Allison. Her mind immediately went into excuse mode but with nothing came up, as the gap between their face became smaller and smaller…

“Hey Allison!!” The woman sighed in relief while the older man growled and turned to the greeter. The newcomer was dressed in a black suit, his red tie matching the color of his short hair. Her savior was another coworker and openly gay friend, Lucas Kruger, the meteorologist that worked with Allison on the 12 o’clock broadcast.

He stops a few inches from the two, a bright smile on his face before turning to the blonde. “What’s taking you so long? Remember we have a date in Central Park today!” He looks at Roger who was fuming inside before smiling seductively at the older man. “Hey big boy, I’ll deal with you later.” With a face twisted in disgust, Roger left the two and disappeared into the crowd of workers. Lucas wiped some imaginary sweat off his brow and turned to his blonde friend. “Now that he’s gone, go get ready! I want you to meet someone.”

The red head’s request snaps her out of her stupor. She nods and climbs into her dressing room only to reemerge seconds later wearing a large winter coat and her purse on her shoulder. Kruger links arms with her and the two exit the building, saying their good-byes to anyone they saw on the way.

Allison wrapped the coat tightly around her when she walked out into the cold Manhattan air but then again it was December and her friend did say that the city was doing to be going through a cold system during the broadcast. Lucas hailed a taxi and once it stopped by the curb, the two climbed inside, away from the freezing temperatures. “Central Park South entrance.”

Allison was now confused. “Why are we going to the park, Lu?” The man smiled at his nickname as the taxi roared towards its destination, despite the never ending traffic. “We’re going to have our portraits drawn by a friend of mine.” Again disbelief washed over her face.

“In the Park,” she said in an “are-you-kidding-me” voice.

“Yes,” he responded as the yellow cab jerked to a stop, “in the Park.”

He paid the driver the fare and the passengers climbed out of the cab and once again into the bitter air. The two walked briskly walked into the Park and the newswoman couldn’t help but stared in wonder at her surroundings. It could be any season and yet the Park manages to stay beautiful. A meow broke her thoughts and she looked down to see a small cat rub itself against her boots. “Well, hello there,” she picked up the feline and brought him at eye level. The orange fur and black stripes across his body reminded her more of a tiger than a domestic cat.

“Ah, Macavity, you little scamp,” The cat turned his head to the man as if he comprehends, “Where is your owner?” Macavity mewled again and shifted around in the blonde’s grip. She let him jump from her arms. The small cat meowed again before darting down the cemented path. “So your artist owns a cat,” Allison stated, “Is there anything else I should know about him?”

Lucas rested his head on his hand and looked as if he was in thought. “Other than he is actually a ‘she,’ nothing that I know.” The two followed the feline as it led them to the large Wollman Rink. Couples, singles, parents, friends, and children of all ages gathered there to ice skate and enjoy themselves. Macavity let out a happy noise and ran up to a figure sitting on a bench facing the rink. The creature leapt into the person’s arms and purred happily as the person rubbed it with finger-less gloves.

“Hey Ren! How are things,” Lucas waved his arms around as if he was in a crowd trying to catch a person’s attention.

A young dark woman, probably Allison’s age, turned to the walking couple and smiled still rubbing the cat in her arms. Ren stood a good three inches taller than the blonde, vibrant gray eyes behind a pair of glasses stared down at her. Her dark mocha skin was hidden behind a layer of clothing. The woman wore a black beanie that covered her head but short brown tresses managed to poke from under the cap. Her choice of dress told Allison that she didn’t mind the cold. She wore a black long sleeve sweater with a green jacket vest, a pair of cargo pants and a pair of worn combat boots.


“Lulu!! How you doin’,” asked the artist in a lively voice. She lowered her tall frame to the ground and let the cat down. “Ahh, I see you brought a guest with you.” Ren stood in front of the blonde and gently held her palm. “But where are my manners. I am Ren Blackwell, artist extraordinaire,” she explained herself before lightly kissing Allison’s hand sending a rather warm shock through the shorter blonde. “Allison Banks,” was her short reply.

“Ah ha! I knew I saw you somewhere!” The brunette clapped her hands in excitement. “You’re the anchor for the mid-day news.”

“Guilty.” The two smiled before Lucas wrapped an arm around the taller woman’s shoulder. “Hey artist extraordinaire, we want a portrait.” The taller woman rubbed his head in an affectionate way before letting him free. She removed a large backpack and something covered in a cloth from the bench. “Please, take a seat.” She moved both items from their resting spots and placed them at the base of a nearby tree while the two got comfortable on the rusty seating area. “Okay, you two, sit on the bench anyway you like and I’ll get my self comfortable.” Allison decided to sit in a neutral position on the bench, back up straight, legs crossed, almost looking like a child at her first day of school. Lucas on the other hand, decided to lie out on the bench, his head on Allison’s lap, one of his legs on the back of the bench. Macavity was under them and meowed wanting to be picked up. The red head leaned over and picked up the noisy kitty and set him on his stomach. Ren had finally settled herself on a rock a few feet in front of the posing trio, a large drawing pad on her lap and a piece of charcoal in her hand.

“Okay I need for you two stay in that position whilst I sketch. No movements or it’ll come out crappy.”

Allison tried to concentrate on the skating people in the ice rink while Ren sketched could not. Her eyes would wonder and then would rest on the artist. She could see Ren in deep concentration, the charcoal frantically running across the paper. The lightly clothed sketcher stopped the instrument and brought her eyes and started directly at the news anchor. It almost felt like the dark haired woman was staring into her soul and she suddenly found something in the air interesting. Several times the blonde found herself staring at the brunette and every time the brunette caught her in the act. About an hour later and several complaints form Lucas, Ren got up and stretched her back out before turning the pad to her costumers.

“Done.”

Allison inwardly gasped at the drawing. It was almost a carbon copy of their pose. The blonde was seated on the bench in the same position, her eyes towards the sky, while Lucas’ head was rested on her lap and he was gleefully playing with Macavity.

“This is...I just… Wow,” was her response. Lucas laughed at the blonde’s reaction. “I told you she was good. Anyway, same pay oh great artist?” Ren smirked and smacked Lucas. “Don’t hate me because I’m talented.” Lucas fished around his pockets and pulled out what Allison saw to be a can of cat food and a five dollar bill. He handed the objects to Ren who put them into the pockets of her vest and placed the painting in her bag.

“To the café!” Ren gathered her tools and put her backpack on her back. The news anchor looked at her friend in confusion. “Why are we going to a café?”


“She normally does this after someone complements. Ren is a special person. She does things because she wants to and to this day I have no idea why,” he explained. While Allison pondered this, a loud whistle caught their attention. They looked to the source of the noise and saw the artist and the cat at the entrance to the park. She waited as the two stragglers decided to play catch up to her. Once they regroup outside of the park, the trio plus the cat walked one block until the reached a small café and walked in.

They were met with smell of freshly made coffee and out of the oven pastries. Ren in haled the scent around her and sighed in happiness. “I love the smell of coffee,” she said as she took off the beanie and put it in her pocket. The group maneuvered through the small store and sat at a deserted table in the corner of the establishment. Macavity decided to sit in his owner’s lap. An elderly woman came up to the table, smiling when she saw Ren. “It’s been awhile Ren. How are things?”

“Let’s see: I’m still 28 and it’s still freezing outside, I guess things are how they are, Pat,” Ren took off her glasses and using a napkin, wiped it clear of dust before setting them back on her face. “I’ll just have a cappuccino and a jelly doughnut.” The white-haired woman wrote on the pad before turning to the other two who decided no to eat anything. The brunette reached into her vest pocket and pulled out the can of cat food. She opened it and set it on the table in front of her. Macavity placed his front paws on the table and began to happily eat the canned food. Pat returned with Ren’s order. Allison was surprised that Pat didn’t say anything when she saw the small creature in Ren’s lap. “I’m a frequent customer,” the artist said before taking a sip of her beverage. Allison nodded and watched her and the meteorologist chat about old times. After Macavity finished his food, he climbed on top of the table, crossed it and then settled himself in the blonde’s lap, purring. Ren called the cat a traitor, making everyone at the table laugh.

“So Ren,” Allison asked, trying to start a harmless conversation while petting the cat’s head while the brunette raised her drink, “where do you live?” The brunette stopped her cup in mid air and then set it back on the table. Allison noticed the red head next to her become a little tense. Lucas let out a sheepish laugh. “Well you see…Ren is um...”

“I won’t lie to you because I think you’re an honest person. I’m homeless. I live in the Park.” She brought the cup to her lips and looked at Allison’s stunned expression out of the corner of her eye. She put the almost empty cup down and folded her hands on the table. “I used to live with an ex-lover but after we broke up, I was thrown into the street with nothing but the clothes on my back. It’s not that bad. The winters are a little harsh but you get used to it. Being alone was the only thing that I couldn’t get used to, so I started drawing these so-called portraits of others so I wouldn’t feel so alone. Then I met Macavity.” The cat looked back at his owner a meowed at the mention of his name. “I found him a year ago, freezing in the cold. I grew to love the little guy even though he tried to scratch my throat out when we first met.”

The newswoman nodded as if she understood and was silent while Lucas and Ren argued about trivial things. The topic of conversation turned to politics and what was going on in the world but the blonde stayed quiet. She just stared at the artist and the never disappearing smile on her face. Soon after Ren was done with her food she placed her beanie back on and the group, led by Macavity, went out of the store. Once outside they started walking back to the park. The cat and his owner stopped at the entrance and faced the blonde and the red head.

“Well, this is where me and Macavity must part. Allison, it was nice to meet you. If you ever need me, I sleep in the tree next to the bench you were on. Lucas, you have to visit me more often. Oh and one more thing.” She pulled out the picture, now framed, and handed it to Lucas. “Here’s the painting framed as promised.” She turned her back to the pair and started walking away. “If you guys are ever in the neighborhood, give me a shout!” Lucas waved goodbye as the artist headed back to Wollman Rink and suddenly disappeared behind the foliage leaving the two alone at the entrance. Lucas looked down at the finished painting and handed it to Allison. “Here you can have this one.” She was about to protest but the meteorologist reassured her, “I have a ton of those at home. Anyway I must leave you. I got a hot date tonight.” Giddily, Lucas said his goodbye and skipped down the block while the blonde hailed a cab home. As soon as she arrived back at her apartment, she decided to hang the work of art in the living room. Letting out a long yawn she looked over at a clock and saw it flashing 8:30. She blinked twice and then rubbed her eyes as if she was dreaming but she wasn’t. She shrugged, walked to the master bedroom and buried herself in a mountain of blankets. Sleep came to her moments later, just as snow began to fall.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

It was the night again and Allison was worried.

Worried about what you ask?

Worried at the person that just so happed to consume her thoughts for the last three days, worried about the person that popped into her head anytime she would glance at the hanging picture in the living room, worried about the person who’s smile the blonde would she anytime a cab that she was in drove by Central Park.

She was worried about Ren.

And the weather forecast she heard just heard added more worry on her plate. “Tonight’s forecast is a nasty one,” stated the meteorologist, “Temperatures will be below zero as this snow system continues to batter the city. Weather experts are cautioning those who decided to go out tonight. There is a good chance that you might get frostbitten. And now for the rest of the week…”

The blonde shut off the TV and got out of the warm bed, wearing only a matching silk pajama pants and shirt. She started to pace around the room. ‘Did Ren find shelter? She probably did. But then again, she’s homeless and not everybody likes the homeless regardless if they are nice or not. What about the homeless shelters? But what if she could find one that was empty? Oh no! Does that mean she’s out in the storm?’

The wind outside howled as more snow fell from the sky, only cementing the decision Allison decided to make. “I have to find her!” She ran out of her apartment and into freezing temperatures only donning a pair of snow boots and a large heavy coat. She waved for a taxi and told him to drive to the south entrance of the park. The ride to the park was slow and long, only adding to Allison’s fear. The car didn’t even stop at the curb when Allison jumped out. She told the man to keep the meter running and ran towards Wollman Rink.

“Ren! Answer me!” The blonde reached the closed rink and spotted the snow covered bench and tree. “Ren!” She screamed into the tree over and over. She got no response. That’s when a morbid fear. The artist could be frozen solid or even dead. She let out a choked cry and stumbled back on the snowy bench. ‘No, she couldn’t be dead.’ Suddenly she was tossed off the bench. She rolled around in the snow and then stared at the possessed piece of park equipment. “Do you mind,” asked an aggravated voice. Even though it was said in an annoyed tone Allison knew that voice. “Ren? Is that you?” A blanket was removed from the bench and the blonde saw the artist, clothed in the clothes that she was wearing when they first met.

“Allison, why are you outside?” Overjoyed, Allison scurried back to the bench and hugged the brunette and feeling how cold she was. “I was looking for you. Why are you outside?” Ren shrugged. “I’m homeless. Even in a storm like this you think that people are going to actually take me in with arms wide open?” Without answering, the news anchor grabbed her arm and led the homeless person out of the park and into the waiting cab at the curb. Inside, the women shook the snow from there bodies and the large blanket, and sunk into the cushioning of the back seat. A muffled noise came from Ren’s chest and a second later Macavity stuck his head from his owner’s shirt. When the cab arrived back at the apartment, Allison paid the fare and then escorted the taller woman and her cat into the elevator.

“Why take me in,” Ren ask, breaking the deafening silence. The anchor pulled out her keys and unlocked then door. “Because you drew me a portrait and you need a bath to warm you up,” was her response. The blonde moved aside and smiled to herself when the artist whistled at the scene before her. The dwelling held a cozy appearance, from the plush carpet to the curtains that blocked out the cold and the snow covered city. The living room even held a fireplace. Ren looked at her host who just shrugged while removing her boots. “I’ve known the landlord since we were in diapers. When I asked for it, he agreed to let me have it.” Allison started walking towards the back before stopping. “The bathroom is down the hall and to the right.” Ren placed her backpack to the side and pulled the little tiger from out of her shirt before heading down the hallway to the bathroom.

In her room, Allison went through her old clothing, looking for something that could fit the tall woman when she realized that she left Ren with no towel. She hurried to her linen closet and pulled out a large fluffy towel and knocked on the bathroom door. “Ren? I forgot to give you towel. Can I come in?” There was no response from inside. Allison knew that Ren entered the bathroom; she heard the door open and close. Fearing something bad had happened to her guest, the blonde opened the door. The marble green bathroom was empty or so she though. She crossed the small room and peered into the water filled tub. A large mass was resting on the bottom, eyes closed. Allison was about to reach into the water when a hand shot out from under the water, grabbing her wrist. Screaming, she tried to wrench her arm away but the grip on her wrist prevented her from doing so.

Ren’s head emerged from the water. “What’s wrong,” the brunette asked letting go of the blonde’s wrist and spitting out water. Allison’s blue eyes calmed down a bit when she saw the wet woman.

“You scared me shitless! That’s what!”

The two stared at each other before they started chuckling and then laughing till their eyes were watering. “Well as much as I like sitting in this lovely tub, I despise being wrinkly,” Ren said showing Allison her pruned up fingers.
“Okay I can take a hint,” the blonde said and left the room to give the woman some privacy, “Towel’s on the toilet,” the blonde while leaving the room.

Ren gets out of the tub and starts to dry herself off. Under the towel she finds a worn out shirt and a pair of pants. After getting dressed the artist walks down the dark passage and into the living room to find her host on the floor a foot away from the fireplace covered in a large blanket. The blonde moves over to make room in the heavy fabric and Ren sits herself next to the anchor. No words pass between the two the next ten minutes, the only noise coming from the howling wind outside and Macavity’s purring from the couch, before the brunette breaks it.

“I envy you,” says Ren, her head resting on a bent knee. The blonde looks up, quizzically, at her thawed out friend.

“Why?”

“You have this big home.” But Allison shakes her head, much to the surprise of her guest. “So? You have more than me,” she replies, covering herself with the blanket.
“What is more valuable than having a nice safe secure home,” asked the brunette.

“Being happy.”

“Wha-?”

“Anytime you draw, anytime you’re alone or with people you’re happy. When I was with you when we first met I felt happy for the first time in a long time,” the blonde said with a sad smile, “You made me feel something that day that made my heart soar.”

“And what was that feeling?”

“I think was love.” This time Ren had no answer she just stared at her somber hostess. Allison covered her face with her hands in shame and sobbed. “Don’t you think it’s disgusting,” she asked through her sobs, “that I like women?” Ren moved Allison’s hands and wiped the tears from her face.

“Remember when I told you about my ex that I used to live with?” The brunette smiles as Allison nods her head.

“Well, I never said that I was staying with a guy.”

The news anchor looks at her with a shocked look. Ren just nods her head as if answering an unspoken question.

A moment of silence before Allison began to cry. Ren started to put a comforting hand on her shoulder but Allison did something that even stunned herself. The blonde threw herself against the older woman and the two fell onto the large blanket that was on the carpeted floor, her lips pressing against Ren’s own. It caught the brunette by surprise, but only for a second. Ren responded, out of desire, without conscious thought, and their lips caressed each other in a soft, warm, loving embrace. Her hands began to roam the blonde’s body and began to caress the blonde’s naked leg, causing her to shudder. Allison backed out of the kiss first, due to lack of air, panting, and staring into lust glazed eyes.

“How far do you want it to go,” was the hushed question.

“As far as you can take me,” was the equally quiet answer.

Within the blink of an eye, the news reporter found herself on her back, her new lover nibbling on her ear lobe, before kissing it.

“Smart answer.”

Their lips met again in a more passionate kiss, creating warmth that surged through their bodies. Allison gasped at the sudden heat allowing the brunette to press her tongue past parted lips and let her explore the moist cavern that was Allison’s mouth. As they kissed, tongues intertwined, Ren’s hands began to work their way down the column of buttons on the woman’s nightgown and parted the fabric. The artist’s hands cupped the blonde’s breast, flicking her thumbs against the already pert nipples. Allison moaned at the pressure against her chest and sought out to remove her lovers clothing. The roaming hands were suddenly swatted away by Ren’s own, a sign of who was in charge tonight.
Her fingers were replaced with her mouth, taking each nipple between her lips and sucking away, earnestly. Allison moaned over the new sensation. Contrary to what most people, the news anchor was human and did have needs. All the times she masturbated in the comfort of her own home could not compete with what the artist was doing now. She could feel the brunette’s skillful tongue trace circles around her areola before moving her mouth over to the unattended breast. The woman above her repeated her actions until the area was wet with warm saliva.

Ren left her breast and placed herself between the blonde’s legs, face to face with her most sacred region. She looked up at the flushed face as passionate grey met glazed blue. Allison nodded her head in a silent agreement while lifting up her hips so the last barrier between the two could be discarded. Ren took off the silken underwear and threw it towards the couch. The brunette then inserted two fingers in between her lips and began to pump them in and out. The blonde cried out, her hands fisting whatever carpet she could get. Allison let out a gasp as the fingers slid in and out, adding to the liquid heat pooling in her loins. Ren pulled out her fingers, and rose to her knees, observing the woman below her. Her hair was spread out on the carpet, her head tiled to the side and her eyes closed, her chest rose and fell as she tried to steady her breathing, her legs would twitch every so often. The blonde was truly a sight to behold.

A whimper brought the brunette out her observation. “Please,” was the request coming from the anchor. Ren smiled and repositioned herself between her thighs. The sweet smell of the woman’s sex was like an aphrodisiac, making her light headed. She parted the wet lips with her fingers but replaced the pervious thrusting fingers with her tongue, driving it deep inside. She tried to savor Allison’s juices, but at the same time wanted more and doubled her efforts.

“So good….” Allison said as her hands rested on the back of the brunette’s head. He blonde felt herself thrust against the wet intruder. Every thrust seemed to journey deeper into her love canal. The blonde closed her eyes again, enjoying the feeling of Ren’s tongue inside of her while hovering on waves of delight and passion. She felt her body tighten up with every thrust, caress, and lick.

“Ren!” The brunette took this as a sign and worked furiously, thrusting her tongue into the woman’s sex while a thumb and forefinger rubbed and pinch at her pleasure nub.

Her world went white as a wondrous feeling overtook her. Allison arched her back as far as it could go and gasped as her body reached its physical nirvana. When the whiteness faded back into color, she saw Ren, no longer located in between her legs, next to her, a concerned look on her face.

“Allison? You okay?”

With a sigh the younger woman answered, “I’ve never felt anything like that….ever.”

The dark woman let out a sigh of relief before nuzzling the blonde’s shoulder. “You had me worried.”

“As you can see I’m fine. But I really want to return the favor.” She tried to move but her muscles refused to work.

“As you can see you need to rest, then we can talk about repayment.” The brunette took the edge of the blanket and covered the two. In no time, the two lovers were asleep on the floor with Macavity watching over them.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“And that concludes the 12 o’clock news. I’m Allison Banks. Have a wonderful day.”
The light went off again and she rushed off the set and to her dressing room only to be bothered by Roger. “So how about it Allison? Lunch?”

“Sorry Roger, I’m taken,” the anchor says gleefully.

“By who,” ask the older man but then brushes the question aside. He places a hand on the woman’s arm, “It doesn’t matter. I can give anything he can five times over.”

“Can you draw,” she asks.

“No. Not really,” he answers, confused.

“Then you’re out of your league old man,” states the person behind him. Roger turns to tell the guy to buzz off but instead sees a tall, dark skinned woman. “Sorry Allie. The man in charge of the gallery would not stop talking. Ready to go?” Allison smiled at her girlfriends timing and the dumfounded expression on the man’s face. “Just give me a minute.” She got her coat from the dressing room and linked arms with the artist. “Hit on some old granny, you pervert,” said the artist in Parthian shot.

Leaving Roger with a shocked look on his face, the couple maneuvered around the building and made it outside. “So, what do you want to do,” Ren asks. The blonde rests her head on her hand in mock thought. “Well... we still have a little repayment to discuss.”

Ren laughs at the thought. “Something tells me I won’t be able to walk for a while when we get home.”

“Damn straight.”

______________________________________________

NOTENOTENOTENOTE

So what have I been up to?

Nothin’

College is kicking my ass and I have drama to deal with everywhere.

Man my life sucks.

Just wanted to see if my lemon skills were rusty.

Now that I’m done with this, I have one more thing to do before getting back with MGD.

So people bear with me.

If there are any errors, ignore them.

Reviews are nice though.


~Psybee