The Awakening of Dr. Carol Ch. 01

It had been several years since Kevin had moved to this peaceful mountain town. He had met a nice girl over the internet and decided to try and start a new life for himself with this girl Cassie. Kevin had felt that a change of scenery would be good for him and a fresh start if you will. He felt that while family is great, and in a way where you come from will always be home, sometimes you just need to get away. Kevin did not want to be stuck in that role that he had seemed destined to play with his family and his old life. He had come to the mountains in hopes of a relationship and a life that was true, and to finally have some peace and happiness.

What he found was that he had been happy for a few years. It seemed as though the two of them worked well together and that they genuinely had love for each other. However, this feeling had faded and troubles had set it and the relationship hadn't been what it once was. Kevin felt like Cassie had been pulling away and just didn't have the same feelings of love that she used to. They were going through the motions of their lives, but the excitement and the passion were not present anymore. Kevin had been feeling as though he was ready to make some changes in his life and move forward, but Cassie didn't seem to support his goals anymore. She recently had been becoming more involved in her own things and spending time outside of the house. It was obvious to the both of them that they were ready to go their separate ways. They didn't really fight much as that wasn't who they were. They just didn't communicate and were basically roommates at this point.

The ending of the relationship had been difficult for Kevin because he wasn't quite sure where he was to go from there. He started by focusing on the obvious, getting his own place to live and settling in. He found a nice, but very small house just outside of town with reasonable rent. Kevin decided to stay in the town as he felt established, and didn't think he would solve any of his problems by packing up, and heading back to where he had come from. Going home to him felt like it would be a step backwards. Kevin spent much time thinking about the change he had wanted and wondering what that was. He knew he had to focus on bettering his life, now that he was not so wrapped up in his relationship. It was time for him to do something for himself. Over the next several months he thought about how he could do this and what the steps were. He knew he needed a better job, and perhaps a career and a way to start being more financially stable. He did some research and decided that he should go back to school and perhaps get a job in the health care field. After all, people always got sick or hurt at some point, and these jobs would be around for years to come. Kevin enrolled in the local community college to start taking some courses that he hoped would gain him entrance into a program for massage therapy.

One of the first classes he took was Anatomy and Physiology as learning about the body was an important aspect of his potential new career. In that first class he sat near the front of the room and listened as the professor came in and spoke. She introduced herself as Dr. Carol, a former chiropractor, who was now teaching college as well as many types of fitness classes. It was obvious that she was into fitness and health as she had a lean and tight body that looked very well cared for. She had long wavy blonde hair that fell down around her shoulders and to her back. Kevin found her to be attractive, but he couldn't be sure how old she was. She was definitely older than his 27, but she was not an old lady by any means. Kevin had always thought that a woman who takes really good care of herself, as Carol obviously did, can be sort of ageless. He imagined that she was in her mid-40s if he had to make a guess.

Later on during the semester they had been discussing aging and health and it came out that Dr. Carol was in her early 50s. This surprised Kevin, as she looked younger than that, and to him she looked beautiful. Kevin studied hard and did well in this class and others. Soon enough that first semester was over and he had a new set of classes to start. During his time at the college Kevin had seen that on Sundays the campus was closed and very quiet. He thought this might be a good place for him to take his dogs and let them run. He had decided to rescue some dogs from the shelter when he had moved out on his own. He had always loved dogs and enjoyed the company they provided him. During one of his first times walking, his dogs started running off ahead of him and he called to them running to catch up. They were well behaved dogs, but he knew that sometimes other people didn't like dogs running up to them, or if there were other dogs, they might not like that either. As Kevin rounded the corner he noticed a woman walking with her dogs, and as he focused his attention he could see it was Dr. Carol. Kevin was a little surprised at seeing her outside of the classroom setting. He of course realized that she had her life outside of the college, and was just a woman walking her dogs.

"Oh hello Dr. Carol," he said.

"Hello Kevin, how are you?" she asked him.

"I'm doing well thanks, and these must be your dogs" He answered.

The two of them discussed their dogs for a few moments. She had two older girls and he had two younger boys. The dogs sniffed each other and became fast friends.

"Do you come walk here often?" she asked.

"I just recently discovered it was closed on Sundays and have been coming," he replied.

"Oh I haven't seen you around and I am usually here between 10:00 and 11:00," she said.

"I haven't been coming at any particular time of day, but I do enjoy letting the dogs run and am here most Sundays," he said.

Then she said she was going to keep on walking and Kevin said he was on his way back to the car. As he walked backed to the car he felt himself considering their chance encounter and what she had said. It was a simple conversation, but the way she had mentioned a certain time that she walked each Sunday was interesting to him. It sounded like an invitation to show up the next Sunday at that time. Kevin thought that he would just happen to be at the college the next week around 10:00 and see what happened. The following week he showed up and she happened to have just arrived a moment before him. They walked and talked and the dogs ran together and it was nice. After that day it just became sort of a thing they did each Sunday. It started to feel comfortable to Kevin and he rather enjoyed their walks.

He found himself intrigued by Dr. Carol and the kind of personal life she led. They hadn't talked much at all about things outside of their work and school. She made no mention of having someone in her life and Kevin thought that would have come up in conversation. He knew that when you are in a relationship, it is only natural that you would talk about that person, even if only in passing. Kevin wondered about Dr. Carol and how it was that someone like her didn't have anyone. He couldn't be sure if she just didn't have a serious relationship worth mentioning or didn't have one at all. Perhaps she wasn't able to find anyone since moving here who interested her or maybe she just wasn't interested anymore. He was sure that underneath her bubbly exterior she had feelings and desires that were locked away.

Kevin decided that there was something to be had between the two of them and he wanted to take the relationship beyond friendship. Kevin knew that with a woman such as Dr. Carol, he couldn't get by with the type of wooing he had used before. He knew that aside from being a good friend, he would have to portray himself as a gentleman, and as a genuine person. He knew he was all of those things most of the time anyway, but he needed to be seen in her eyes as a man of substance, and worth, and not just that younger friend she walked with on Sundays. Kevin wanted a chance to show Dr. Carol another side of him that she had not seen, and one day a bright idea came to him. Kevin worked at a home for adults with disabilities and he worked very hard to serve and help those people. He was one who really gave of himself, and became emotionally involved in the work he did, and the people he helped. He felt that if she could see this side of him that Dr. Carol would see he had a big heart. She would see him through the eyes of those people whose lives he touched. The people who lived in the home often times weren't at all that enthusiastic about exercise or that knowledgeable about health, but Dr. Carol was. Kevin got permission from his boss to approach Dr. Carol about doing some exercise classes and teaching these people about health. One day he sent her an e-mail to pitch the idea to her and see if she was interested in getting together to talk about it more, and he suggested having lunch.

Dr. Carol sat at her desk reading the e-mail and thinking about the idea and about Kevin in general. She liked the idea of helping these people and providing a service to those who were less fortunate. She also liked the enthusiasm that it seemed Kevin was portraying about his work. She smiled to herself and thought that this selfless behavior was just another reason to like Kevin. She agreed to the lunch and even found herself contemplating what to wear. Later that evening, she stopped herself as she was looking in her closet and thought does it really matter what I wear? After all it isn't really a date and more of a meeting right? This young man isn't interested in me, is he? Do I even want him to be?" These questions ran through her head as she looked at her clothes. She settled on an outfit that was fitting for spring time, a sleeveless top, a flowing skirt, and sandals. She thought it wasn't overly dressy, but also not as casual as her usual Sunday dog walking clothes. Even if it wasn't a date, she reasoned they would still be out on the town, and she wanted to look nice. With the chore of picking an outfit out of the way, she sat down to brainstorm some ideas to talk with him about.

It was later the next week when the both of them had time free in the middle of the day for a leisurely lunch. Kevin was already at the restaurant when Dr. Carol arrived. He watched her as she came through the door. He smiled as he saw her and how beautiful she looked. The top hugged her nicely and the skirt fell down almost dancing around as she walked. She came over to the table and he stood up to greet her. She gave him a quick hug as she did with many of her friends. Kevin pulled out the seat for her and she smiled at that. Showing her I am a gentleman begins now, he thought to himself. They talked over lunch and she could see that he truly was dedicated to his work and wanted nothing more than to enrich the lives of those people he served.

"I thought I would start off teaching them a little about healthy eating. Getting all the colors in, drinking plenty of water, and other basics," Carol said.

"Yes the basics are what they need. Some of these people seem to live on junk food and soda alone," Brian commented.

"Then I end with some Zumba dancing. What do you think?"

"Zumba is the workout dancing to Latin music?" he asked.

"Yes, I figure it is a fun way to get them moving. Then if we do more classes we can focus on the dancing. That way they get some exercise."

Kevin felt they had some good ideas, and said he would talk with his boss, and let her know what they had decided. Dr. Carol gave him her number and said to call if he had any more questions. When the waiter came with the check, Kevin insisted on paying, and Dr. Carol smiled and thanked him. He helped her out of her seat and held the door open for her on the way out. He even opened her car door, and wished her well, as he shut it and watched her drive off. He thought the meal had gone well, and had definitely noticed her smiles, and positive reactions to his behavior.

Dr. Carol drove off and on her way back to the college she thought about what had just transpired. They had talked, and shared some good ideas, and both seemed excited about working together. However, she couldn't help but noticed those little gestures that made the lunch seem much like a date. She couldn't be sure either way, but she reasoned that whether it was a date or not, she had just had lunch with a true gentleman, and a hell of a nice person. More importantly, she had enjoyed herself, and this much she knew for sure. She decided that a good friendship was a valuable thing, and in time she would see what happened, if anything.

The rest of the week passed and soon enough the weekend was upon them again. On Sunday Kevin loaded up the dogs in the back of his trusty AWD wagon and headed off to the college. He was excited to tell Dr. Carol that his boss had been interested in their ideas, and was ready to have her come in to start educating, and exercising the people who lived in the home. Kevin was a few minutes from the school when he noticed Dr. Carol's car on the side of the road and saw her looking under the hood. He slowed down and pulled behind her parking the car. She looked up when she heard the door shut and said:

"Oh it is so nice to see you, I could use some help."

"Anything for a pretty lady, how can I help you," Kevin said.

Dr. Carol blushed and said "My car just quit on me."

"I am no mechanic, but I can give you a jump and see if that works," he said.

"Sure, it's worth a try," she responded.

Kevin pulled his car around so it was facing hers, and they hooked up the cables, and started up his car. They let it run for a couple of minutes and then they tried her car and it started up, but would cut back off when the cables were removed. Kevin could see that Dr. Carol was a little frustrated with the failed attempts. He looked at her and said

"Why don't you come with me and we can have our relaxing walk."

"What about my dogs?" She asked.

"They can hop in the back with mine," he said.

"And the car? " She added.

"No shop will be open today anyway, so leave it here. I will take you home and you can call someone in the morning," he suggested.

"That sounds like a nice idea, thank you," she said.

They loaded the dogs into the car, and Kevin opened the door for her, welcoming her into the passenger seat. Soon enough they were at the college, the dogs were running, and they were chatting. They discussed the work they would be doing.

"My boss said you can start anytime you want. We can't pay you much as you know, but a little bit each time."

"That's fine. You know the money isn't really the reason why I want to do this anyway."

"I hear that, if it was all about the money I would not be doing this work either," he concurred.

After the walk Carol showed him the way to her apartment.

"Thanks for the ride Kevin. Would you like to come in for some lunch?" she asked.

"That sounds lovely, thanks Carol," he said with a smile.

She fixed them a light lunch and they ate and chatted a bit more about life.

"I know my apartment isn't much, but I am saving to one day get a nicer place," she commented.

"It looks cozy, and homey, and I like it just fine," Kevin replied.

She gave him a quick tour, and as they passed through the bedroom, he couldn't help but think about one day lying in that bed.

"I have some work to get done before classes tomorrow," Carol said.

"It is time to get the dogs home anyway," Kevin commented. "Do you have someone to give you a ride in the morning?"

"Yes I have a coworker who can easily get me, thanks for asking."

She gave him a hug, and although it was obvious that he was lingering longer than usual, she didn't object.

As Kevin drove off he knew it was now time to take more action if he wanted anything more to happen. He knew that he was now a good friend to Carol and a gentleman in her eyes. He also knew if he waited too much longer he would be in the friend zone and getting out would be difficult. He wanted to believe that some of their recent interactions meant that something happening was at least in the realm of possibility for Carol. He didn't want to appear like a fool, but he suspected that would not be the case. That following week Carol came to the home were Kevin worked and did her first exercise class. She had the guys dancing to Latin music, and doing aerobics, and they actually seemed to be enjoying themselves. Kevin enjoyed participating with them and watching Carol's enthusiastic approach. She was wearing her tight exercise clothes and working up a nice sweat. Her nipples were becoming visible where her supple breasts pressed against her shirt and Kevin couldn't help but notice. When the class was over, everyone thanked her for her time, and said they looked forward to seeing her again. Kevin walked Carol to her car:

"It was great to see the guys so excited about something. That doesn't happen very often," Kevin said.

He opened her door and she gave him a light hug.

"I don't want to get you all sweaty," she said.

"I hope these classes can become weekly sessions," he said with a smile.

"That would be nice," she responded.

He watched her drive off and found himself almost aching from his desire for her. She was so sexy to him, and also such a sweet person with whom he enjoyed spending time. He really thought that there could be something had between them. He had always had some interest in older woman, as they usually knew what they wanted, and didn't play games. He hadn't yet had an interest in someone of Carol's age, but at the same time he knew that age was just a number, and that Carol was definitely a young spirit.

As the week was finishing and the weekend was approaching, Kevin tried to think of how he could try and take their relationship farther, and still be a gentleman. He thought perhaps the logical step was to upgrade their lunch out to a dinner out, or maybe he would cook for her. He settled on cooking for her, as he thought she might be surprised at his kitchen skills. Kevin knew he was no master chef, but he enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen and was able to make a tasty meal. He decided he would ask her when he saw her Sunday, and see when she was available. That Sunday he pulled up to the school and the dogs had taken off running. As he briskly walked after them, Carol pulled up and parked behind him. The dogs heard her car and came running back to meet their friends. Carol called to her dogs to wait for her as she slipped through the fence, and down the path, to the open field.

"Hey Kevin," Carol said offering him a hug. I heard from the school that there was an incident with a dog biting someone, and that dogs are supposed to be on leashes from now on," she added.

"So we need to leash them up?" he asked.

"On the weekend I doubt anyone will care, but I know some out of the way trails in the woods higher up on campus, away from the buildings."

She showed him the way and they talked about their week.

"I enjoyed seeing how you work with the people of the home and how much you care for them," Carol said. "I can tell it is emotionally challenging work and that one needs to have a good heart," she added.

"Thank you for the compliment and I can tell you also have the necessary big heart, and interacted well with everyone," he replied.

They walked down the trails for a while and then before they knew it some dark clouds started rolling in. There was a loud crack of thunder and it began to pour. As the rain fell they instinctively turned and started running back toward the cars. The dogs led the way with Kevin and Carol following behind. Without really thinking about it, Kevin reached his hand out behind him to Carol, and she took it holding it in hers. He led her down the trail and out to the open parking area that surrounded the auto body shop area of the campus. The dogs were whining and scratching around a steel building. Kevin thought maybe they could get inside and out of the storm. He found a handle on the sliding door and slid it open enough for them to squeeze in. He closed the door behind him and used his cell phone as a light looking for a switch of some kind. He found a bulb hanging from the ceiling and pulled the cord. The bulb was dim as if it wasn't going to last too much longer, but it provided some light none the less. He looked for the dogs and found them curled up together in an effort to get warm. He knew he and Carol were both soaking wet and looked around to see what if anything they had to dry off with. He saw a shelf and went over to have a look. He found a tarp and laid it on the dirt floor. Then he saw some towels and what looked to be a seat cover for a car's backseat. He picked them up and started taking off his shirt. Carol looked at him puzzled and said: