Frank Markser - The Next Door Couple

Medoc Circle is a street like many others in the better class suburbs of Southern California, and, if any street could be called typical of the affluent middle class America, the little cul-de-sac would qualify.

The clean split-level homes and their well-manicured lawns reflected the personality of the clean and well-manicured people who lived within them.

The Stanleys, Joan and John, lived at 1503 Medoc Circle. Next door at 1505 were Bill and Laurie Kent.

Like the furnishings in their houses, the two couples differed. At twenty-seven, Joan Stanley was a breathtakingly sensual platinum blonde whose tall svelte figure turned the heads of men and woman alike. John, her ruggedly handsome husband had a wild thatch of straw-colored hair and a dark tan which reflected his days spent at the harbor as a yacht broker. They were, as practically everyone would testify, happily

married and well adjusted emotionally, sexually and all other ways of importance.

In contrast to Joans stunning blondness, Laurie Kent was a petite twenty two year old redhead with green eyes, a pert turned-up nose that was bridged by a rainbow of freckles and a sweetheart face. The vivacious little redhead, in turn, presented a wild contrast to her staid twenty-five year old husband Bill who was -much to her dismay almost the perfect specimen of the no-nonsense public accountant.

Like many other jobless, childless wives, the two young women spent a lot of time together while their husbands worked. Actually, they could be found at least once a day sitting by the Stanleys swimming pool smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee and exchanging gossip.

Today was starting out to be pretty typical. In the last half hour the two bored young wives had sat by the pool, the sun streaming down on their lushly ripened, bikini-clad bodies, sipping the black coffee that Joan had brewed for them.

Laurie glanced over toward the blonde languidly lying on her stomach. A thin moustache of perspiration was on Joans upper but it was the heavy-lidded expression that drew the younger girls attention. She correctly interpreted the look as one of sexual satiation, and she couldnt resist feeling a sudden pang of envy. Joan had admitted that she and John generally had sex every morning before he went to work and again at night.

Laurie sighed wistfully and put her thoughts into words, Honestly, Joan; sometimes I wonder why the hell I ever married Bill. Hes such a drag sometimes. Thered be more excitement with a a cigar store Indian!

Laurie! You shouldnt say that about your husband. Joans eyes flew open, an expression of her shock at the younger girls statement.

You can say that, but you have a sexy man like John for your husband, Laurie said, pouting, then added defiantly. You just cant imagine what a lousy lay my husband is.

The blonde lifted one eyebrow. She wasnt surprised. Not really. Bill was handsome enough, but he seemed so damned proper at times. Thats too bad, honey, she answered thoughtfully. because thats one of the most important ingredients for a happy marriage.

Laurie turned over and sat up; her arms wrapped around her knees, Joan, how do you teach a man to be sexually liberated? She paused and shrugged, God knows Ive tried to liberate him, but he has such old-fashioned ideas about sex.

I dont know what to tell you. John and I have always considered ourselves well adjusted when it comes to love-making.

So have I, and I thought Bill was too until after we were married, she sighed, looking close to tears. I guess I screwed it up then. On our wedding night I wanted oral sex. Now he thinks Im perverted.

Laurie, the secret of a happy sex life is doing only the things that make you feel good. If youre forced into an act that disgusts you, its not liberation

Hell, but what am I supposed to do? the angry redhead retorted. Frankly, I like oral sex. I like sex period! And anything new I might learn to do, but I never get to do anything like that. Its always the old missionary position, barn-barn, thank you maam, for Bill.

That really must be awful for you, Joan said, staring toward the still water of the pool. We do everything, John and I, and then added for emphasis, everything. She smiled as she thought of her husband and what he had done for her only a couple of hours before. And then, she sighed and said, You know its a strange thing, Laurie, if sex is good between a husband and wife, its only ten percent of a marriage, but, if its bad, its ninety percent.

You can sure say that again, the petite redhead said disgustedly, as she wiped the perspiration from her face and took another sip of coffee. After a moment, she, too, stared toward the blue water of the pool. I dont see how I can go on like this, but Bill would kill me if I fucked around.

Inside the house the shrill peal of the telephone interrupted the chatting wives. Joan quickly got up and padded toward the cool interior. Ill be right back.

Hey, Laurie yelled after her retreating figure, its too hot for any more coffee. Got something cold?

How about a vodka and tonic?

Sounds great. Laurie sat by the pool, bitterness contorting her usually pleasant face as she thought, Why the hell am I so unlucky? Why cant I be like Joan and have everything? Shes damned good looking, but so am I, for all the good it does. Im bored and unhappy with Bill. I dont know what the hell to do. If I didnt have Joan to talk to, Id go completely mad. Its bad enough now, having to use a fucking vibrator to get my kicks. Its better than nothing, but I sure would like to feel a mans nice hard

She heard the screen door creak open and slowly shut, and turned to see Joan coming toward her with a tray balanced on one hand. Oh God, that looks good, she sighed. It always makes things look a little brighter when Im laced with booze. She paused, cocked her head to one side, then asked, Boyfriend?

Joan grinned, No such luck, that was my Aunt Sara on the phone. Shes coming to visit us. Joan smiled, remembering Sara, her aunt by marriage. She was a sensually alluring brunette and widowed two years ago. She had been a glamorous, free and easy woman ever since, traveling

all over the world in search of something new and different.

Wont her being here cramp your style? Laurie questioned impishly, Like ah no more fun and games on the front room floor

Saras as sexually liberated as we are. Even moreso, if what she writes me is true.

Thats impossible. I dont believe it.

You should hear her talk, the attractive blonde wife laughed. My uncle left her very wealthy, and, evidently, she has one young stud after the other to keep her company.

Lucky woman! the young redheaded girl said, her voice envious.

Shes thirty seven years old, and she doesnt have a single male friend thats over twenty-five so she tells me.

God! Thats not fair! Here I am only twenty-three, and all Ive got is a bank auditor who acts like hes a hundred. Laurie gulped her drink and became more depressed than ever from Joans conversation.

Im truly sorry, Laurie, Joan frowned in sympathy. Try to be gentle with Bill, and you might be able to help him overcome his hangups. Hell, it was pompous to talk like this, but what else was there to say?

Im going home, Laurie said, emptying her vodka-tonic with one gulp and standing up. All Im doing is depressing you today. Besides, its almost time for Bill to come home for lunch! Yeck!

Youre not bothering me I just wish there was something I could do.

I have to go anyway. Bill wants me to go with him to look for a new car. The little redhead was halfway to the gate when she turned and continued, Dont worry about me. Im in a hopeless situation, and, if I continue to put up with it, then I must be a masochist.