The Inhabitants of Banyen Bend - Smoky Lonesome - Episode 3 - Finale

The Inhabitants of Banyen Bend - Smoky Lonesome, episode 3-Finale.

Several weeks went past and the next time Wendi came over she seemed different. She had a resolute look on her face and seemed more friendly than ever. Smoky was outside sculpting when she arrived and he continued for a short time before he joined her inside.

When he joined her inside they ate dinner, then sat and watched some TV. After a little while Wendi stood up and began stretching and moving her head around.

"Smoky would you mind massaging my neck? I sat up way too long on the laptop last night and my neck is feeling really sore ."

"Er...no I don't mind." Smoky got up and massaged her neck.

"Thank you, it's obvious that you are gifted with your hands."

  

Suddenly, Wendi turned and kissed Smoky. This time Smoky didn't recoil or hesitate, he kissed her back. It was after that she confessed her love for him and he to her. They saw each other regularly after that night.

Smoky even took Wendi to his favourite fishing place since she said she loved fishing so much. He had never taken anyone there before so things were becoming serious between them.

That day, Wendi asked if she could stay the night and although they slept in the same bed, Smoky was a perfect gentleman. They both dreamed about moving in together and then in the morning for some reason, Wendi was very cool towards Smoky. He attempted to cuddle her on the bed and kiss her once they got up but she rebuffed him and went home. At first he thought that maybe he should have made a pass at her and that was why she had left.

Once Smoky had got over the shock of Wendi leaving so abruptly, he looked around, there was mess everywhere, plates of old food were sitting on the table from the day before. His toilet and shower was in need of a good scrub as was the benches and the sink in the kitchen. Perhaps she was some sort of neat freak. He wondered if that was why she left so quickly, but he would never know until the next time she came over.

Smoky invited her over about a week later after he scrubbed his old cabin from top to bottom, and made sure there were no old papers hanging around.

This visit went much better. Smoky made the move this time and proposed to Wendi right there and then, before anything else had a chance to go wrong. She accepted willingly and moved in with Smoky on the same day.

They were married a few months later and the marriage needed to be witnessed so they got in touch with a couple of friends of Wendi's. Smoky had very few close friends he could call on to witness their marriage.

Not long after Wendi started her own garden, just one of her many interests. Smoky had got to know her really well and it was very obvious that she didn't want kids, but at the age they were, it was almost too late anyway. She was keen to become a freelance photographer, so she purchased a good camera and began flashing anything and everything.

After their private marriage, they spent hours together. Wendi loved watching Smoky work and took many photos of him at work. They never got sick of each other's company, but as much time as they spent together, Wendi always gave Smoky his space. She knew he tuned out and went into a trance-type state when he was working and she never interrupted him.

But they also enjoyed being with each other and spent time watching TV, fishing, working in Wendi's garden together and sometimes just sitting in silence. They didn't feel the need to chat at all times, now. Wendi's career began to grow and she often needed to go on trips around town and interstate to complete jobs. One morning she received a phonecall and a woman wanted a specific photograph of the Dragon Cave in Simla, China. Regretfully she needed the boost in her career so left that day for China.

She received expenses for her trip and stayed in a beautifully situated hotel in the middle of a spectacular setting amongst colourful trees turning all shades of Autumn colours.

Wendi visited the local markets and purchased a good camera and many other interesting memoirs to take home. She took many pictures of the scenery around her and artifacts that had been collected by archaeologists.

Meanwhile back at home, Smoky tried to concentrate on his inventions but when he thought about Wendi he lost concentration a few times setting himself alight. He did appreciate the alone time but he was missing Wendi. He had become used to seeing her around the place.

Wendi was also missing Smoky, despite the beautiful countryside and photographic potential she was looking forward to coming home. She did, however go there for a reason and once that was done she could return home. The next day she made the hike to the Dragon Cave and got the shots she needed.

She packed quickly and caught the first plane available, getting home in the early hours of the morning. She slipped into bed, jet lagged and weary, not waking Smoky who was snoring quietly.

Smoky awoke very early. He saw her lying there and gently kissed her forehead. Slipping out of bed so he wouldn't wake her, he tucked her in and set about making her favourite meal, pancakes with maple syrup and some with bacon.

When she awoke she staggered out of bed and found Smoky sitting at the table with two large stacks of steaming pancakes waiting for her. Smoky smiled quietly to himself and continued to eat his own serve.

"Smoky, my favourites, thank you. I missed you so much when I was over there. All I wanted to do was get the shots and race home." Wendi rolled up her pancake, which was dripping with icecream and maple syrup and she felt the sweet syrupy filling rolling around in her mouth.

"I am so glad you are home too. It wasn't the same when you weren't here." Smoky picked up the last piece of pancake and swiped his plate collecting the last of the creamy syrup.

After breakfast Smoky asked Wendi if she would pose for him so he could make an ice statue of her.

"This way I can have you with me when you need to go away again...well at least for a few days anyway before it melts." He smiled. "Okay just stand there and look beautiful."

"You are so sweet, Smoky, I can't understand why you weren't married earlier." Wendi posed and stood as still as a statue so he could do an accurate reproduction.

The result was amazing. Smoky started after breakfast and after a few breaks throughout the day, he finally finished just as night fell.

After they had finished, Smoky drew Wendi close. He looked deep into her eyes and she knew what he wanted.

"We have some catching up to do. After sculpting you all day...well I can't think of a better way to celebrate."

"I'll just change into--"

"No need." Smoky took her by the hand and went into the bedroom laying her gently on the bed. "I have missed you so much." After a few hours of intense lovemaking, they got up and prepared a quick meal.

Smoky made many more sculptures of Wendi and they were now beginning to get some money behind them. Their cabin, although Wendi hadn't wanted to impinge on Smoky's tasted in decor, felt it was time for a make over and perhaps an extension was on the cards also. She approached Smoky and discussed it with him.

"Are you sure you don't mind?" Wendi asked. Smoky drew her into a warm hug.

"This is not my home anymore, it is our place now, of course I don't mind."

Smoky and Wendi spent many years together and although they didn't have children, they lived very happy lives.