Autumn walk

[messyalan]

It was a beautiful autumn day. There was a heavy frost still on the ground but there wasn't a cloud in the sky as James and Kirsty stopped the car at the end of the lane. They had been out shopping but both decided to enjoy the weather and stop for a walk on the way home. Neither had actually dressed for walking but were still wrapped up warm. James had on brown corduroy trousers, brown brogues and a thick cream jumper over a white t-shirt. Kirsty had the same jumper over a white blouse and pale blue skintight jeans tucked into knee length brown suede boots. Both took their scarves, woolly hats and gloves from the back of the car before they set off arm in arm down the canal towpath.
The disused canal was always picturesque but today the low sun made it even more so. Thankfully the towpath had a gravel topcoat so walking was clean and dry and they both enjoyed the leisurely pace.
After about three miles they turned onto a small road and walked a short distance down to the abandoned railway line which would provide their return route. Again the path was gravel but there was a line of trees down both sides which hid the sun for a time. Luckily there were gaps and the sun felt even warmer as they emerged briefly into its rays.
Although they had used this route many times they hadn't been this way in months so were shocked to see their way blocked by a large puddle. They were only a few hundred yards from the car but there was no way round as the brambles and bushes were extremely thick to both sides.
James pointed to the fact that there was a small grass slope between the bushes and the water and with care they could get past. Not wanting to walk the almost six miles back Kirsty agreed and James volunteered to go first. Holding the overhanging branches he set off slowly. After only a few steps one foot slipped and splashed in the water. No great problem and he took another few steps. Another slip and this time his foot went right in. He shouted as the water was icy cold but he was still smiling as he completed the passage with no more slips.
Kirsty grabbed hold of the first branch and was glad of her gloves as the branch was still damp and icy. Although it was difficult to keep upright with the three inch heel at least the spike gave her more grip on the slightly damp grass. The first two steps were okay and she changed branches only to have one foot slip. Her boot went under to the ankle but the boot was made well and she could feel no water get in. Another step and another slip but with no disasters. Feeling slightly more confident she changed branches again and it was at this moment she slipped again. With nothing to hold on to her right foot slid down into the water. To her horror it kept going until her right leg was almost thigh deep. It all happened so quickly she hadn't time to think but almost immediately she felt the icy water soak through her jeans. Then she realised she didn't feel the same cold on the bottom of her leg. As she tried to pull her leg up she realised it was submerged in mud. She felt foolish and uncomfortable with one leg buried in the mud and the other lying up the grass bank like a stranded ballet dancer. She looked to James who was struggling not to laugh but when he saw her face he composed himself.
Realising she wasn't going to get out on her own he made his way back to where she was stuck. He couldn't reach her whilst still holding the branch and when he let go the inevitable happened and he slid down the grass into the water. Unlike Kirsty he went in with both feet and he ended up submerged to his waist. At the same time splashing muddy water up her once clean jumper. She screamed with frustration and was rewarded by a laugh from James. Struggling to get free she managed to bring her other leg down off the bank but only by lying back in the icy water. As she stood she could feel the water around her waist but realised it was only at the surface that it was cold. As her jumper was ruined anyway she put her gloved hand into the water at her side and realised she was actually almost waist deep in mud. That was why the rest of her legs weren't quite so cold. When she lifted her hand out she saw her glove covered in thick black mud. Then the smell hit her and she gagged.
Again James suppressed a giggle and this was too much for Kirsty and she slammed her handful of mud into his chest leaving a black stain. Almost at once she regretted her action as the last thing she wanted was for the clothes to get any muddier. Too late as she watched James scoop up a handful of mud. Her protests came to nothing as he smeared the mud across her chest. She could feel the water soaking through to her bra. She hoped the white lace would be okay as it was brand new as were the lace knickers that matched. Dragging another handful of black goo from the water she threw it towards his jumper but because she was so close it went much higher and hit him across the forehead. She knew she shouldn't but it brought a laugh from her and this was like a red rag to a bull from James. Reaching over her took her white hat from her head letting her long blonde curls fall to her shoulders. Holding it in one hand he scooped up four handfuls of mud and deposited them inside the hat. Kirsty watched in horror as the black water ran out through the wool. Then to her complete amazement he put the hat back on her head and pulled it down squashing the mud into her hair. After a moment she felt the dirty water running down her face and the back of her neck.
It was too much for her and she launched herself at him. Unfortunately, as her legs were still encased in mud, all she did was fall forward into the icy water. As she went under she felt his arms go under hers and drag her towards him temporarily freeing her legs from the mud.
As she came to the surface he stopped any protest by kissing her long and hard. She responded and he went backwards so they both ended up under the water. It then turned into more of a wrestling match with both of them splashing mud everywhere but both laughing as they did it.
Finally they lay exhausted with no feeling of the cold any more. Together they swam and crawled until they reached firmer ground. As they got wearily to their feet they surveyed the damage. Kirsty's boots and jeans were completely black and her jumper hung down to her knees and was a dirty grey. Her hat and gloves had gone but she realised they would have been ruined anyway. James was in a similar state although he still had one glove. They set off for the car with water dripping from them and their feet slurping in their footwear. Now the cold started to get to them as it chilled their wet clothes and they increased their pace. Once at the car they realised they would have to strip and luckily they always carried two blankets which they used if they wanted to have a picnic. They had to help each other with their clothes as they stuck to their icy skin. Once naked they dumped the rags in the boot before wrapping themselves in the blankets and driving home. Kirsty wished they had brought larger blankets as there was more of her on show than she would have liked but she was just glad they had them.
Once home they took a long shower together before emptying the boot. One glance and they realised nothing was salvageable so with a heavy heart it all went in the bin. However, as Kirsty returned to the house she wondered what it would feel like in high heels and a long dress. Where had that thought come from?

This story was inspired by a video I made for someone. You can see it below but it is a CD video so be warned.

[carolinewalker_2000]

A great video. Thanks Alan/(Davina)!