Invasion

Hand in hand they exited the auditorium and strolled out onto the expansive lawn that separated the planetarium and the natural history museum. From a pushcart vendor they purchased hot dogs smothered with chili and onions. On a seat in the shade of a large tree they sat down to enjoy their lunch.

"I'd also forgotten how much fun playing hooky can be," Cassy said in between bites of hot dog. "It's lucky that I wasn't scheduled for student teaching today. I mean, skipping class is one thing, but skipping student teaching is something else entirely. I wouldn't have been able to come."

"I'm glad it worked out," Beau said.

"I was surprised when you suggested it," Cassy said. "Isn't this the first time you've ever skipped class?"

"Yup," Beau said.

Cassy laughed. "What is this, a new Beau? First you act like an amorous animal and jump into the shower with your clothes on and now you've willingly missed three classes. But don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining."

"It's all your fault," Beau said. He put down his hot dog and pulled Cassy to him and enveloped her in a playfully sexy embrace. "You're irresistible." He tried to kiss her, but Cassy got her hand up and parried the move.

"Wait a sec," she laughed. "I've got chili all over my face."

"All the more spice," Beau joked.

Cassy wiped her face with her napkin. "What's gotten into you?"

Beau didn't answer. Instead he gave Cassy a long, wonderful kiss. Just like in the shower, the impulsiveness of the gesture was another distinct turn-on for her.

"Wow, you are transmogrifying into a world-class Casanova," Cassy said as she sat back, took a breath, and tried to collect herself. The fact that she could be turned on so easily in public in the middle of the day surprised her.

Beau happily went back to his hot dog. As he chewed he raised his hand to block out the sun while he looked in the sun's direction.

"How far did they say Earth is from the sun?" he asked.

"Jeez, I don't know," Cassy said. Having experienced the stirring of desire, it was hard to change the subject, especially to something as specific as astronomical distances. "Ninety-something million miles."

"Oh, yeah," Beau said. "Ninety-three. That means it would take just a little over eight minutes for the effect of a solar flare to reach here."

"Excuse me?" Cassy asked. There was another one of his non sequiturs. She didn't even know what a solar flare was.

"Look," Beau said excitedly, pointing up into the western sky. "You can see the moon even though it's daylight."

Cassy shielded her eyes and followed the line of Beau's pointing finger. Sure enough, she could just barely make out the gossamer image of the moon. She looked back at Beau. He was enjoying himself immensely in an endearing, almost childlike way. His enthusiasm was infectious, and she couldn't help enjoying herself as well.

"What made you want to come to the planetarium today?" Cassy asked.

Beau shrugged. "Just pure interest," he said. "A chance to learn a little more about this beautiful planet. Let's head over to the museum next. You up for that?"

"Why not?" Cassy exclaimed.

Jonathan carried his lunch outside. On such a day he hated to be in the crowded cafeteria, especially since he'd not seen Candee in there. Skirting the flagpole in the central quad, he headed over to the bleachers alongside the baseball diamond. He knew that was one of Candee's favorite places to get away from the crowd. As he approached he could see that his efforts were to be rewarded. Candee was sitting on the top row.

They waved to each other, and Jonathan started up. There was a slight breeze, and it was snapping the edges of Candee's skirt, revealing tantalizing glimpses of her thighs. Jonathan tried not to make it obvious that he was watching.

"Hi," Candee said.

"Hi," Jonathan answered. He sat down next to her and extracted one of his peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

"Ugh," Candee said. "I can't believe you can eat that stuff."

Jonathan studied his sandwich before taking a bite. "I like it," he said.

"What did Tim say about his radio?" Candee asked.

"He's still pissed," Jonathan said. "But at least he doesn't think it was our fault anymore. The same thing happened to a friend of his brother's."

"Can we still get the car?" Candee asked.

"I'm afraid not," Jonathan said.

"What are we going to do?" Candee asked.

"I don't know," Jonathan said. "I wish to hell my parents weren't so tight-assed about our family car. They treat me like I'm twelve. The only time I can drive the thing is when they are along."

"At least your parents let you get your license," Candee complained. "Mine are making me wait until I'm eighteen."

"That's criminal," Jonathan said. "If they tried that with me, I think I'd run away. But what good is my license without wheels? It's so frustrating my parents won't give me more credit than they do. I mean, I do have a brain. I'm getting good grades, I don't do drugs."

Candee rolled her eyes.