Chester is a small town, where not a lot of things happen. Young couples come to start their lives, while others come to retire in the simpleness. The old architecture has a certain type of appeal, and the surrounding forests and mountains make for a great environment to be in. Unfortunately, Mattias is not here to enjoy the simple pleasures but must keep his visit, strictly business. He traveled a long way from Colorado to get here and is completely exhausted. He is sitting in the small, nearly empty bar in the center of town. The only people in here are two regulars, who play darts every night against each other, and a young, peppy bartender.
Mattias takes a sip from the ice-cold glass of whiskey that she sets in front of him. He holds the liquid in his mouth for a second, before swallowing. “Long day?” She asks, seeing the dark bags that highlight his seemingly dark eyes from his pale face.
“Just got into town,” He replies, with a long sigh.
She smiles and leans onto the high top, wooden bar in front of him. “Well, how long are you in town for?” She asks, biting her lip.
“Hopefully not long,” He replies.
Mattias quickly finishes his glass of whiskey, and drops a twenty-dollar bill on the bar. He stands up and without a word, walks out of the brick-walled building. He steps out into the brisk fall air that the mountains bring, and looks around a town street around him. A soft breeze blows through his soft, brown hair that is just long enough to cover the top of his ears. He slides his muscular hands into his faded jean pockets, and takes a slow, deep breath. He walks down the road toward the trees that border the town. He passes the small town hall that is barely two rooms wide, and looks like it needs a modern upgrade. He continues to walk down the broken sidewalk, and stops when he sees the town grocery store. The store is the same size as the town hall, and doubles at the post office and gas station.
His head turns slightly toward the dirt road to his left, as he hears a vehicle about to turn down the road behind him. He continues his walk, but keeps his attention on the headlights that are now proceeding down the street. Mattias passes an old school house where all the students in town are taught. The headlights get closer and he can tell they belong to an older model vehicle that burns oil according to the smell coming from the muffler.
The headlights finally make it to Mattias and create a halo effect around his head and pale arms that are covered in hair. After a second, the white and black vehicle belonging to the town sheriff passes by. Mattias watches the brake lights turn on as the car passes. He prepares to have to explain who he is, but after a second of hesitation, the sheriff turns left down a cobblestone road that leads toward one of two residential areas in town. Mattias takes a deep breath of the fresh air around him, and smiles as the smell of pine fills his nose.
He continues his walk toward the trees in front of him. He slips between two of the tall pine trees, and walks into the dense wood line. He slowly makes his way passed the sweet-smelling trees, and rubs his hand along their bark. A smile crosses his cheeks that are covered in a five o’clock shadow as he walks. He hesitantly his walks toward the soft orange glow of a cabin. The tree line breaks and exposes a log cabin with a small porch around it. He walks across the nicely cut yard to the front steps. He stops and takes a deep breath. Mattias spins around and stares up at the bright, sparkling stars above him before entering the cabin.
Mattias walks through the nicely furnished living room area, and heads straight to the bedroom. On the floor in front of the king-size bed is a single duffle bag. Mattias picks it up, and throws it onto the mattress. He unzips it, and pulls out a pair of basketball shorts. He grabs a bottle of shampoo then walks into the bathroom. He turns on the shower, and slowly takes off his pants. He takes off his boxers and drops them onto the floor. He kicks them against the wall, and sighs. He grabs the bottom of his shirt and lifts it up above his head.
Mattias pulls his shirt completely off to expose his pale back. His back is covered in light and dark scars in different stages of healing. He tosses his shirt against the wall and stretches his back. His shoulder muscles tighten then release slowly, as he rotates them. Mattias turns toward the mirror as it begins to fog. His chest is covered in a thin layer of brown hair. The hair continues from his defined pecks and to his toned abs.
The mirror fogs, and he walks into the small, shower. He closes the glass door, and it quickly fogs. Mattias leans against the wall, and lets the hot water run down his sore back for several long minutes before lathering the shampoo into his long, thick hair. After his hair is well lathered, he lets the water run the suds down his back and between his legs to his feet. Mattias closes his eyes and takes several deep breathes under the water before turning the knob. The water slowly turns off and Mattias steps out of the shower. He dries off then slips on his basketball shorts before walking back into the bedroom. Mattias crawls into bed, and falls asleep nearly immediately. He snores softly, as the full moon reaches high into the sky then starts to fade to sun.
(TO BE CONTINUED)