The Slide of Trust
By Ayn BlackFox
It was a typical day at Shoshone Park. The sun blazed down on the pool like a heat lamp as the patrons of various ages splashed, swam and lounged in the chair along the sides of the pool. Voices yelled across the pool area at the more rambunctious cubs to: “stop running”, “don’t splash”, “get back here”, “get out it’s time to go”. For Slider, it was just another day at work, saving a cub from drowning or assisting a parent with retrieving a disobedient cub from the pool when it was time to leave the pool. Slider loved his job as the pool’s head lifeguard, it was rare that he had to actually respond to an emergency situation but he loved he was both loved and hated. He was loved when he was looked up as a hero when he saved someone and hated when he had to use his large size to forcefully remove someone from the pool when they didn’t listen to his warnings.
For his size, Slider was the he had to handle weather it was an adult or a cub. Standing 7 feet 7 and three-quarter inches and weighing in at 525 pounds, Slider was not just an otter but an amphibious tank compared to more model-like lifeguards he supervised. Some asked why he was not a wrestler but the otter always told those who asked: “I love saving and protecting lives and love the water”. Then why not be a Navy Seal? “No thank you, I’m far too large for that.”
At the end of each session or day, Slider would always take the time to pose for pictures with those who were, “fans” or if a cub wanted to do a hand size comparison. His webbed hands where favorite between the fans, something everything seemed to be fascinated over. Slider was known for staying after the pool was closed to the public and swimming the length of the pool several times. He was even known for going to the deep section of the pool where few threaded the water there. While swimming, those who seen him said all they could see was a purple and white streak if he was swimming belly down.
Friday afternoon closing time, Slider announced the closing of the pool for the day and watched as the mixed array of specie gather their belongings and cubs if any, and exited the pool are. Slider stayed in his chair to keep an eye on the patrons as much as he could but his eyes feel on one patron who retreated to the far end of the pool, watching the others leave. Removing his sunglasses, Slider walks over to the lone patron slowly. He wondered why she didn’t leave with the others.
As he got closer, he saw that the patron was female in a two piece bikini and was holding a towel in a shy manner. She was the same colors as him but patterned much differently. She appeared to be a mix between a fox and husky. Her muzzle was turquoise in color with a pink nose. Lavender spread from there and covered 70 percent of her body. Her ears were turquoise with white on the inside of them. Green eyes and the left eye had a white semi-circle around it. A white patched covered her torso from the top of her breast and down to her waist but followed the sap of her body in the front, wrapping around to the back, forming an hourglass on her back. She had elbow length turquoise gloves like a fox but her pointer and ring finger on both hands were lavender. Her middle fingers were white leaving her thumb and pinky finger turquoise. Calf-high boots where turquoise like her arms with the two outside toes matching. The two inside toes were white and lavender respectively. Her tail was medium length with a slight curve at the tip was lavender on top and white on the bottom with three turquoise spots on the left side. Three similar dots were on her head one large one above the left eye and two small ones above the right.
Slider gulped at the sight of the female before him and tried to maintain his composure. “Um…ma’am, the pool is closed now.”
Turning to face Slider, the female blushed and backed away from him. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She said softly and looking down some. “I didn’t know.”
“That is OK as with all the commotion, it does get hard to hear the closing announcement at times.” Slider said but paused and rubbed the back of his head softly. “I’ve not seen you here before, are you new?” He shakes his head slowly trying to keep his composure still but looks right back at her. “Umm, what’s your name ma’am as I have to make a note of it in my report?”
“My name is Lilah.” She said softly, clutching the towel a little tighter, her shyness showed a little more. “And what kind of report are you talking about?”
“I have to document any people left behind when the pool is closed. It’s a safety issue and I need to make sure they do not get hurt.” Slider said twiddling his sunglasses. “However, I will make an exception for you since you’re new here.”
“Thanks…um…um…what’s your name?” Lilah asked him with a soft smile, not blushing as much as she did before.
“My name is slider and it’s a pleasure to meet you Lilah.” The large otter said holding his sunglasses still. He paused and looked around the empty pool side.
“Is something wrong Slider?” Lilah asked as the otter continued to look around.
“No Lilah…” Slide started but stopped to focus his attention on Lilah. “Um…were you inside the pool? I don’t remember seeing you in the water?”
Lilah promptly shook her head no and looked back at the taller otter. “I don’t do well in crowds.” She said but paused for a second. “Unless I’m with someone I know and trust.”
“I see…” Slider said and paused as well. He stopping twiddling with his sunglasses and propped him on his head with open arms touching his ears. “Normally I don’t do this but I’ll stay a little longer and swim with you. There is no need to deprive someone of swimming just because the crowd coming and going.”
“Thanks Slider!” Lilah exclaimed with a small jump. She followed the oversized otter to his guard chair, watching him remove his sunglasses and whistle. Lilah was curious about Slider more than she wanted to say aloud. His size and gentle demeanor was strange but yet alluring to her.
Stretching out something, Slider looked at Lilah and winked at her before diving into the pool with minimal splash even for his size. Lilah giggled and moved closer to the water looking for Slider. She watched as the otter surfaced and waved to her before wading over to the wall. He extended his hand to help Lilah into the pool. He watched as she places her hand in his and slowly stepped down into the cool water. Slider’s mind started to race at the thought of being with such a pretty but yet unique lady.
For Lilah, time froze when she stepped into the water. Her gazed was fixed on her hand in Slider’s, amazed at to how gentle he was her. His hand was well over twice the size of her hand and that it was fully webbed between the thumb and fingers. She gasped at the cool water temperature but her gaze never left him as she moved closer to him. Neck deep in the water, she stayed close to the taller otter, where the water only came up to his navel. She followed Slider to the middle of the pool as he held both of her hands.
“Do you know how to swim?” The otter asked knowing that it was a little late for that question.
“A little” was the soft response Lilah gave him.
With a smile, Slider looked at Lilah and moved closer to her. “Lay on your back.” He instructed and Lilah did just so. “Keep your fingers close together and think…otter.”
The statement confused Lilah but she thought how does an otter swim and replayed the motion her mind her gave her while being held by Slider. She was guided by the otter to swim in a circle and her progress made the otter smile. He switched to hold one hand and joined Lilah, using his tail to propel them slowly down towards the deep end of the pool. Slider changes the motions of his tail to turn around and head back towards the shallow even of the pool.
Right as they reached the shallow end of the pool, the clock tower in the center of the park chimes and Slider quickly stands up with Lilah. “Darn! It’s that late already?” Slider questioned.
“Is something wrong Slider?” Lilah asked looking up at the large otter.
“No it’s just later than I thought and I need to close the pool for the day.” Slider said slowly moving out of the water.
“Frowning, Lilah looked up at the otter who extended his hand and helped her out the pool. “Aw! Maybe we can swim again later.”
Slider nods but smiles at Lilah. “I’m here every day Ms. Lilah.” He pauses for a moment. “And I will wait for you to shower and stuff before locking up the place.”
With a giggle, Lilah grabs her backpack and heads into the ladies room as slider collects his belongings and walks into the staff showers. Alone, Lilah undressed slowly, placing her wet bikini in a plastic bag. She grabbed her shampoo, a wash cloth and walked down to the last stall which was bigger than others. Turning on the water, she adjusted the temperature to her liking and stepped inside. Soaking her fur in the warm water, Lilah giggled and opened the bottle of shampoo. As she lathered up, she started to think about Slider and more so as she closed her eyes and rinsed off. He’s so big but yet so kind. The thought swirled around her mind like the water that swirled around the drain that sat between her feet-paws. She waited until all of the sweet smelling shampoo was rinsed off before turning the water off.
She walked nakedly back to her backpack, and grabbed a towel started to dry herself off. Her eyes fixed on the door on the opposite side of the room like she was anticipating Slider knock on it. Once she was dry, Lilah put on a pair of pink thong like panties and a matching bra. She pulled out the neatly folded, red, white and yellow, thin fabric summer dress. I bet my large-eared friend would be proud of me for this one. Slipping into the dress, Lilah smiled and zipped it up fully. She put on a pair of anytime sandals and donned her favorite blue and stainless steel collar last. Packing her towel and swimsuit, Lilah exited the shower room and walked up to the front reception area. She looked around to see if she could find Slider and just as she turned around to look back the way she came, Slider was standing right in front of her.
“Oh! Lilah, um… can you wanting outside so I can lock up and set the alarm.” Slider asked her kindly.
With a nod, Lilah walked out the glass door and waited on the concrete walk way just a couple of feet from the door but still within Slider’s view. Just across the parking lot was a six and half foot tall, gray wolf with a moderately muscular tone. Next to him was a Bengal tiger that was about the same size as the wolf. The tiger spots Lilah in the distance and gently elbows the wolf. With a grunt, the wolf looks over to where the tiger was pointing, Lilah.
“Hey, Marc you see that right?” The tiger asked with a light, if lustful chuckle.
“Yea, I see it.” Marc said with a grin. “Looks like a tasty one to me.” The wolf licked his lips and rubs his hands in a hungry but yet, greedy fashion. “Don’t you think so Kent?”
“Yea, whatever, everything looks tasty to you; even a rock could be tasty.” Kent said grinning. “How about we go over there and see what she’s all about?”
“Hey, shut up about the rock!” Marc said with a growl. “But, it sounds like a plan to me.” He started to walk with Kent over towards Lilah.
Lilah waited in front of the door for Slider to finish working but caught eye of the tiger and wolf approaching her. She smiled and wagged her tail some, waving at the two male but frowned when they didn’t wave back. She blinked as they approached her and even back up some when they got too close.
“Sorry but there is no need for formalities here.” Marc said as Kent walked around behind Lilah.
“Umm, can I help you?” Lilah asked and was confused by their actions and speech.
“Yes, there is a way you can help us. Kent said taking a hold of Lilah’s bag and forcefully removing it from her and tossing it off the side. “By making sure your body is ready.”
Gasping, Lilah turns around and looks at the tiger showing that she was not pleased. “Give me my bag back!” She yelled at him, narrowing her eyes to further show her unhappy state.
Marc grinned and firmly planted his hand on Lilah’s right butt cheek and squeezed it making Lilah gasp whine. “You heard Kent, make sure your body is ready.”
With a shriek, Lilah pins her ears down and tries to move away from Marc but is quickly stopped by Kent who gropes her breast. “Mmm, you’re a tight one and I can’t wait to really get a feel for you. The tiger said moving a hand down to rub Lilah’s belly.
“Ahh! Help me!” Lilah screamed as Marc tried to hold her muzzle closed but received a bit to the hand. The wolf released Lilah and examined his hand.
“You little…” Marc growled and tried to grab Lilah but was promptly kicked by the now scared vixen. He tumbled back and fell on his back hold his gut.
“Well you’re a feisty one and I like the ones who fight back.” Kent said moving his hand down lower. “And with Marc down, there is more for me.”
“Help me! Please!” Lilah cried out as loud as she could which made Kent fold his ears back.
Just as Slider set the alarm for the building, he hears the scream and bolts to the door. He looks outside to see Kent, fondling Lilah and Marc getting back to feet. With a growl Slider stepped outside abut froze. What do I say? A few seconds later, Slider stepped up and crossed his arms. “HEY! Let go of my sister you jackass!”
Lilah gasped at the sight of Slider and tried to get from Kent but was stopped by Marc who held her arms. Ignoring Marc and Kent, Lilah’s mind froze, thinking about what Slider just said. It felt like time had slowed down to allow her brain to process the thought before snapping back to reality. “Slider! Help me! They’re being naughty and I don’t want to be naughty!”
With a nod, the tall otter looked at the males hassling Lilah and tapped his foot-paw. “Last chance here, let her go or I will murder your face.” He growled and bared his teeth some.
“Get lost Otter, you’ve got nothing to do with this.” Marc said as he started to dry hump Lilah.
“Yea, you’re just one otter, what can you possibly do to two of us.” Kent said using hand to try to claw at Slider. “And I’m pretty sure this is not your sister. No way.”
“Not going to listen to me, well you asked for it.” Slider said and with two quick steps, he stood right next to the tiger. Without warning, Slider punched Kent in the right side jaw. “Bonk.”
Without a sound, Kent toppled to the ground with a bit of blood oozing from his mouth. Marc blinked and looked at Slider but continue to dry hump Lilah, holding her with one hand and undoing his pants with another. Lilah whine and tried to wiggle her arms free but Marc was too strong for her. Slider wasted no time and moved over to Marc and loomed over him and grabbed his free arm, staring between him and the softly crying Lilah.
“Oh you devil! You made her cry.” Slider said calmly but held a very angry expression. “You’re a monster.”
“Hey, look, let’s talk this over otter.” Marc said with a gulp.
“Sure, with mister left.” Slider said and promptly punched Marc square in the nose. “Bonk.”
Marc feel to ground without a word just like Kent did. Slider huffed and retrieved Lilah’s bag. He walked over to her and places a hand on her shoulder. “It’s OK now, Lilah; I took care of those to horny dogs.” Slider said holding the bag out.
Looking up, Lilah stopped crying and looked up at the much taller Slider. “Thank you.” She said softly taking the bag from him. “They were being very mean to me.”
“I seen and well, they won’t be bothering you anymore.” Slider said with a chuckle.
“Lilah looked at the bloody faced tiger and wolf then gave Slider a hug and a very tight one. “Thank you Slider…” She paused and looked up to his eyes. “But you said I was your sister.”
With a nervous chuckle, Slider rubbed the back of his head. “Spur of the moment, I guess.” He tried to bluff his way out of it. “I figured they’d listen but they didn’t so…I had to make them listen.”
Lilah giggles and fixes her dress. “Aw, you’re so sweet Slider.” She kept her eyes on the otter even as he blushed some.
“Um…do you live close to here?” Slider asked looking towards the park exit.
Shaking her head, Lilah points to the west. “About three miles from here and I have to take two buses to get here.”
Slider shook his head not liking that thought. “After what just happened, that’s not going to work for me.” The big otter said. “I’ll drive you home.”
Without question, Lilah followed Slider to the sport sedan that was parked close by. It had his name on the front License plate and the Slider opened the passenger door for Lilah. Removing her bag from her shoulder, Lilah sat down on the leather seat and placed the bag between her legs on the car floor board. Slider got in on the driver side and took his seat. He drove away from the park looking back at the still down Marc and Kent before spinning his tires out and leaving a smoke trial in the park behind him. He followed Lilah’s directions and drive with one hand on the steering wheel and another on the center console mounted shifter. Lilah looked at the hand that was closest to her for moment before looking away, thinking Slider was looking at her as they came to a red-light.
Pulling away from the light, Slider drove down the street looking at Lilah a few times, thinking. I’m not sure what I should. She’s very pretty but…I don’t know. I don’t want to step too far and have her not like me. Shoulder I comfort her more or just protect her? So many choices but only one will be the correct on. Come on Slider, think! Think of what would be best! Lilah pointed to the slight busier Delaware Avenue for Slider to turn left. With a nod, Slider merged on the left turn lane and came to a stop.
“So, Lilah, are you new to the city?” Slider asked looking at her again. “You’re just pointing and not saying the street names.”
“Yes. I’ve been here for a month and I’m barely used to the size of this place.” She said which made Slider smile a little. “I work for a publishing company work with a handful of very high profile writers who are very prolific.”
Pausing, Slider was lost for words and tapped his left foot-paw against the carpeted floorboard of the car. “Sounds like you have an important job.” Slider chuckled softly. “I don’t think I could handle something like that.”
Lilah giggles as Slider turned through the intersection when the traffic signal gave him the green arrow. ‘It’s not so bad when you get used to it.”
Slider continued to drive, passing the railroad board and toward the much larger park and the cemetery. He looks around at the medium sized buildings and the handful of gas station before reaching the outskirts of the park where traffic was a little heavier. After the series of S-bends, Slider whistles as he comes to more upscale section of the city. He follows Lilah’s directions around the round-a-bout and on to Lafayette Avenue and Slider turns right.
Lilah directs him to an older style brick house and Slider pulls into the driveway and stops. He parks the car and turns the engine off. Lilah grabs her bag and looks at the otter. “Thanks for the ride Slider and based on what you said earlier, you are being like a big brother I wish I had.”
Slider looks down for a moment and back up towards Lilah. “I’m not sure what I’m to say about that.” His big green eyes just stared back at Lilah’s eyes. “I didn’t want to see you get hurt by those goons.”
“But no one has ever helped me like that or even offered me a ride home.” Lilah said with a smile.
“Lilah…” Slider said softly as if he was trying to reach out to her with his voice.
“Slider…I don’t want to seem like I’m moving too fast but I really enjoy your company and help. Lilah said locking her gaze on him. “I would not mind having someone like you’re around to help with things. Like having a big brother who is always there, something I know I can trust.”
Slider does not say anything and looks down again. His silence bothered Lilah as she leaned in closer; she found that the big otter was smiling. “I can’t help it…You’re such a cute, sweet lady and you have this charm. I can’t move away from it.” Slider said still locking his gaze to Lilah. “You know what Lilah, you got yourself a deal! I will be your big brother. I swear on every muscle in my body I will be here to protect and help you whenever you need it!” He poses a little and grins. “And I think it would be fun to have a little sister around, something I didn’t have.”
“YAY!” Lilah leaned over and hugged Slider. “There is something I must ask you though. Is Slider your real name or just a nick name?”
With a chuckle, the otter blushed again. “It’s my real name. There are a lot of reasons that it came about. Everything from me literally belly sliding out the womb when I was born or the fact that I LOVE to slide on my belly.” Slider smiled widely showing his pride for his name. “I’m horrible right?”
Lilah shakes her head and place a hand on Slider’s shoulder. “You’re not horrible, you are just as unique as your name makes you and no one should talk bad to about it.”
“True, I never thought of it like that. I should embrace it more than I do.” The big otter sighs softly. “I always thought being an oddity just put a big target on your head, like: Hey look at me, I’m special! Derp-a-derp-derp.”
“No way Slider, it makes it stand out from everyone like our fur color!” Lilah said with a wink.
“Well…I understand.” Slider blushed and looked away from her. “Well Lilah, I’m glad I can be here for you and that I’m able to keep our relationship close. I wish I can stay longer but I have something I need to do.”
Lilah giggles but leaned in and gave Slider a soft kiss on the cheek. “Thanks Slider.” She opened the door and stepped out of the car with her bag.
Rolling down the window, Slider calls out to Lilah. “Lilah! Will you need a ride to work? I don’t live far from here and I can take you.”
“Yes thank, can you be here 7:30 am?” Lilah said walking up to the front door house.
“You can count on me being here!” Slider said turning the car back on and pulling out the driveway. He stopped and watched Lilah unlock the house door and step inside. He waved to Lilah who waved back and watched for a moment longer until Lilah closed the door. He drove down the street and looked back at the house one last time before speeding up some. I’m a big brother now. Who would have thought of it?
THE END
