fanfic_name = The Picnic

chapter = 3

author = LTjg_GT_RDF

Rating = AP15

Type = Romance

fanfic = THE PICNIC

PART THREE

Saturday arrived but it didn’t arrive fast enough for Rick and Lisa. They were looking forward to the day. It would be just the two of them, enjoying a picnic lunch. The meteorologist on TV said that the weather was to be cool but sunny and best of all, no wind, which was perfect. No one would bother them. No uniforms, no duty, no alerts, no worries or problems.

Lisa at her house was humming a happy tune to herself, finishing the sandwiches she made for herself and Rick. She can’t wait for Rick to pick her up at her house and take her to the park and enjoy the day. She was looking forward more to the evening when she has something more intimate planned for her and Rick. Since it’s Saturday and they don’t have to report back to work until Monday, Lisa planned for Rick to spend the whole weekend with her. Rick can be a workaholic at times but at least he knows when a down time does.

Rick at his house, was in the bathroom. He was shaving after taking a shower and brushing his teeth. He was almost finished shaving when the phone rang. Assuming it was Lisa, he answered the phone.

“I’m almost ready. I’ll be there…”

“Hi Rick. It’s me.”

Uncertain who it was on the other end, Rick stared at the telephone.

“It’s me Rick. It’s Minmei.”

“Oh. Hi Minmei.”

“Rick, I’m sorry that wasn’t able to call you yesterday. But I want to thank you for saving Kyle and myself. And I want to apologize for Kyle’s behavior at the airfield.”

“Oh, there’s no need to apologize Minmei. I was happy to help save you. You’re very important to everyone. You know that.”

“Yes, I know that Rick. Rick, I really need to talk to you. It’s Saturday. Are you free today?”

“No, I’m not Minmei. I have a…prior commitment for today.”

“Well, how about tomorrow?”

Rick wasn’t certain if Lisa has anything planned for them for Sunday, but was almost sure she does. “No, I’m afraid I’m tied up tomorrow also. How about calling me sometime next week? I’m sure I can find some free time to see you then. Just call the squadron’s orderly room and leave a message. You don’t have to tell them your name. Just tell the orderly room sergeant that a friend has called. I know it’s you went they give me the message.”

Rick can hear the disappointment in Minmei’s voice. “Well, ok. I’m performing today at Monument City. If you have some free time today, will you at least stop by the concert hall and wave to me?”

“I’ll try. But, I can’t promise you I’ll be there.”

“Ok then. Talk to you later, Rick. Bye.”

“Good bye Minmei. Talk to you later.”

After he hung up the phone, he drew in a deep breath and then blew it out. “Whew. That was a close one. Better not tell Lisa that Minmei called. She’ll flip if I tell her that.”

He then went back into the bathroom and finished shaving. He then went into his bedroom and put on his clothes before heading over to Lisa’s house.

When he arrived at Lisa’s house, he parked his car in the driveway and went up to the porch. He has an extra key that Lisa gave him. He turned the key but still knocked as he entered in.

“Lisa, it’s me.”

“Hi Rick. I’m almost done putting our lunch together. I should be ready in a minute or two.”

“That’s ok. Take your time. Do you want me to carry anything?”

“Yes, there’s a blanket and two small pillows on the couch. Do you mind carrying them for me?”

“Sure. No problem.”

Less than two minutes later, Lisa walked into the living room carrying a wooden picnic basket in her right arm. Rick took one look at Lisa. She was wearing a tan skirt and a matching jacket, and a magenta dress shirt. The shirt complimented her brown hair and green eyes. Wow. She looks gorgeous even dressed casually. Rick said to himself.

“Lisa babe, you look absolutely stunning, even dressed casually. You should have been a fashion model.”

Lisa blushed at the compliment but quickly recovered. “You like what you see?” Lisa asked as she turned around like she was a runway model.

“Yes.”

“Well, you don’t look bad yourself handsome.” Lisa admiring Rick dressed in a blue suit, purple shirt and a red tie. “And you’re wearing my favorite cologne.”

“And you’re wearing my favorite perfume.” Rick said as he drew in a deep breath of Lisa’s perfume near her neck. The aroma of the perfume made Rick playfully nibble at Lisa’s neck like he was Dracula. Lisa giggled as she pulled Rick away from her neck.

“Okay. Stop it. Stop it Rick. Down boy! Down! We have plenty time left in the day for that.”

Rick feigned disappointment when Lisa playfully scolded him. “Oh, all right. I’ll stop for now.” Rick said as they were heading out the door.

After Lisa locked the door, Rick opened the passenger side door to let Lisa in. He then went over to the driver’s side, closed the door and turned the ignition.

“What’s in the picnic basket, Lisa?”

“Roast beef sandwiches with light cream cheese, honey Dijon mustard, Roma tomatoes, and curly green lettuce. Small batch fried potato chips, carrot sticks, seedless grapes and apples and home made peach sweetened iced tea to wash everything down with.”

“Sounds yummy, I can’t wait to eat it.”

It had taken about an hour for Rick and Lisa to arrive at the park and the nearby forest. Rick found a spot in the sun near the edge of the forest and laid out the blanket and pillows. He help Lisa sit down on the blanket and he sat down. Lisa opened the basket and gave a sandwich to Rick. Rick took a bite and enjoyed what he’s eating.

“This is great Lisa. Maybe we should have picnics more often.”

“I’m glad you like my sandwiches Rick.”

After they finished eating their lunch, Rick laid his head on Lisa’s lap and looked up lovingly into Lisa’s beautiful green eyes while Lisa playfully ran her fingers through Rick’s hair.

“You’re are so beautiful, Lisa. I love you. More than you’ll ever know. I’m so glad you came into my life. I can never imagine living my life without you.”

Lisa looked back with pure love into Rick’s blue eyes. After all the turmoil they went through. The war, the almost complete destruction of Earth by Dolza, the deaths of Roy, Ben, Lisa’s father and too many others to count, Rick saving Lisa twice and her saving Rick twice and the unlikely way they first met, Lisa never gets tired of hearing Rick say those words to her. She never thought she would hear anyone say those words to her again after Karl Riber’s transfer and subsequent death at Mars Base Sara. She’s thankful that God and or, fate brought them together. And nothing will tear them away from that. Lisa bent over to give Rick a kiss. Rick met her halfway to help her out. Rick then sat up and wrapped his arms around Lisa’s waist. Rick then laid Lisa slowly down on the blanket never breaking his kiss to Lisa’s lips. Lisa never wanted the moment to end, but she thought of something and suddenly broke off the kiss.

“Wait a minute, Rick. What if someone sees us?”

Rick thought about it for a moment and shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t worry about it, Lisa. If anyone comes by and sees us, we’ll make sure we give them a good show.” Then he returned to kissing Lisa.

Lisa laughed when Rick said that and wrapped her arms around Rick’s neck as they continued kissing. As Rick was lightly touching Lisa’s sides with his fingertips, he brushed his fingers against Lisa’s ribs. Lisa jumped as Rick inadvertently touched one of her ticklish spots.

“What wrong?”

“Nothing Rick, you just touched one of my ticklish spots.”

“Oh? Really?” Rick said with an evil grin.

“Rick don’t you even dare!” Lisa warned with a laugh and a wide look in her eyes.

Rick didn’t listen. He immediately went back to Lisa’s ticklish spot on the side of her ribs. Lisa laughed as she put her arms to her ribs and at the same time, trying to get out from underneath Rick. Rick was holding her down tightly like a wrestler pinning their opponent, but she managed to wiggle her way out from underneath Rick’s hold on her. She got up on her feet and began to run, laughing at Rick and daring him to try and catch her. Rick began to chase after her.

As Rick and Lisa were enjoying each other, Minmei was riding by the park in a limousine on her way to Monument City. Minmei noticed Rick’s black sports car.

“Jimmy! Wait! Stop the car!”

“Yes Miss Minmei.”

“Turn the car around!”

“But Miss Minmei, we’re on the highway. I can’t turn the limo around in the middle of the highway.”

“Fine. Just go up to the next exit and you can go back. I noticed a car that belongs to a friend of mine.”

“Captain Rick Hunter?”

“Yes. I just want to say hi to him.”

“Very well Miss Minmei.”

The chauffeur went up to the next exit and soon the limo was heading back to the park. When they reached the park, Jimmy stopped the limo and got out to help Minmei out of the limo. As Minemi was running up to say hello to Rick, she noticed Rick and Lisa running around chasing each other. She just found out what Rick’s “prior commitment” was. Not wanting to be noticed by them, she spied a small storage building nearby and hid along a wall. As she was watching the fun Rick and Lisa were having with each other, she began to cry. She only stayed for several seconds until she couldn’t stand to watch it anymore. She ran back to the waiting limo.

“Miss Minmei, that was quick. Were you able to…?”

“Drive, Jimmy! Just drive! Continue on to Monument City without stopping!”

“Yes Miss Minmei.”

“Jimmy, I need to be alone for a minute. Can you roll up the partition please?”

“Yes Miss Minmei.”

After Jimmy rolled up the partition separating him and Minmei, Minmei’s tears began to fall bitterly from her eyes as she pounded the seat cushion with her fist. “What have I done?! What have I done?! I’m such a fool! I only thought about my career and not Rick. Now I’ve lost Rick to Lisa Hayes forever!”

Not knowing that Minmei was nearby, Rick was still chasing Lisa around until her finally caught her. He wrapped his arms around Lisa’s waist as he lay on top of her. They were both out of breath.

“Are there any more ticklish spots on you?”

“Well, you’ll just have to find them out for yourself, flyboy.”

Rick and Lisa went back to kissing.

“Tell me again how beautiful I am.” Lisa said softly with love in her voice.

“You’re so beautiful, Lisa.”

Lisa cried when Rick said that. He became concerned when he saw the tears. “Hey, what’s wrong? Don’t you believe me?” Rick asked softly.

“I do, Rick. It’s just I would never think I would ever hear anyone say those words to me again. Much less ‘I love you’. After Karl transferred to Sara Base and was killed, I thought I was going to be alone forever. My parents tried to set me up on dates, but none of them worked out. I thought I was going to live the rest of my life alone. That is, until you came into my life.”

“Lisa…I will never ever get tired of saying those words to you. I will never grow tired of saying ‘I love you’ and ‘you’re beautiful’, because you are beautiful and I do love you. With my dying breath, I will still say those words to you, along with your name, because your name is the sweetest name on Earth.” Rick said softly and with love.

Lisa’s heart fluttered when Rick said those words to her. “Oh Rick. I never thought I would fall in love with anyone ever again. You were there all the time but I never realized it. I love you so much.” Lisa said as she threw her arms around Rick’s neck.

“I love you too, Lisa with all my heart.” Rick softly said before returning to kissing Lisa.

After spending several minutes on the ground, kissing Rick and Lisa walked back to the blanket holding hands. As they were enjoying each other, a puppy was walking up to them.

“Oh, look at the puppy Rick. It looks lost.”

Rick noticed the puppy and began clapping his hands. “Come here boy. Come here. Let’s see if you belong to someone.” The puppy ran up to Rick.

“Do you see a collar or a tag on him, Rick?”

“No. It looks like he’s an orphan.”

“And he looks like he’s hungry too.” Lisa said as she reached into her picnic basket to get an uneaten sandwich. The puppy ate the sandwich like it was first food he had in weeks.

“I’ll say he’s hungry Lisa. Looks like I’m not the only one who likes yours cooking.”

Lisa smiled. They played with the puppy for the rest of the afternoon. The sun was still out but it was beginning to go behind the tree line. They decided it was time to leave even though they were still having fun.

“What should we do with the puppy Rick? We can’t leave it here. It’s going to get chilly once the sun goes down. He can’t survive without its mother.”

“You do have a point, Lisa. I say let’s take the puppy back with us to Macross City and drop it off at the animal shelter. I’m sure they can find a good home for the little fellow.”

Lisa had pets since she was a little girl and was growing attached to the puppy, was disappointed that Rick said to leave the puppy at the animal shelter. But she agreed it was the best thing to do. “I guess you’re right Rick.”

“In that case then, we should pack up and start driving back to Macross City before the animal shelter closes. You hold the puppy while I fold up the blanket and gather the pillows and the basket.”

“Ok.”

Rick folded up the blanket, gathered the pillows and basket and put it in his arms. Lisa took the keys to Rick’s car and used the remote control to unlock the car. After dropping the puppy off at the animal shelter, they drove back to Lisa’s house. It was almost sundown when they arrived at Lisa’s house. After getting the picnic basket, blanket and pillows out of the car, Lisa unlocked the door and they went in.

“What’s for dinner, Lisa?” Rick asked as he closed the door.

“How would you like this for an appetizer?” Lisa said seductively as she wrapped her arms around Rick’s neck and began kissing him.

“Yummy.” Rick said as they broke off their kiss.

“And you know what the best part is?”

“What is it?”

“No calories.” Lisa whispered in a sexy voice.

”I like that.” Rick said as they started kissing again. After a while Lisa broke off their kiss.

“Getting hungry?” Lisa asked as she was staring into Rick’s eyes with love.

“Yes, I am.”

“Good because I’m getting hungry myself. How about we go out to eat?”

“It sounds good to me.”

“So, what’s your pleasure, Italian, Chinese, French food?”

“How about we try out that new Thai place near the base?”

“Sounds good, I haven’t eaten Thai food in a while. Let’s go.”

It was very late in the evening when Lisa and Rick arrived at Lisa’s house. They walked to the porch hand in hand. Lisa unlocked the door and Rick followed, closing the door behind him. Lisa turned around and planted a passionate kiss that threw Rick off guard.

“Now, it’s time for your dessert Rick Hunter.” Lisa said in a seductive voice as she put her arms around Rick’s neck. Lisa’s and Rick’s lips met and locked in a passionate kiss. Rick slowly removed Lisa’s jacket and started to move his hands slowly up and down Lisa’s arms, sending shivers of pleasure up and down Lisa’s spine. Then Rick moved to Lisa’s neck He can still smell the rose scented perfume of the soap she used when she showered in the morning and the faint sweet flowerily fragrance of Lisa’s perfume even though it was hours ago since Lisa first put it on. The sweet smelling sensations seemed to hypnotize Rick, kicking his desires into overdrive.

He kissed the side of her neck near her collar bone, which was one of her erotic zone. Lisa felt her knees beginning to buckle and started to feel weak when Rick kissed her zone. “Oh Rick…” Lisa whispered. It was a good thing that Lisa’s arms were around Rick’s neck and Rick had his hands around Lisa’s waist supporting her or else she would fell to the floor in the throes of her passion. Rick then swept Lisa off her feet and into his arms as he carried her into her bedroom. Lisa tugged and pulled at her shoes with her feet. When it was loose, she flicked off her shoes and let it land anywhere. I have plenty of time to pick them up later. I have more important things to do right now. Lisa said to herself as she looked at Rick with love in her eyes.

When he reached the bed, Rick laid Lisa gently down on the bed, while he sat the edge of the bed. Rick kept kissing Lisa while slowly moving his hands up and down her arms, sending shivers of delight up and down Lisa’s spine and making her moan in pleasure. Rick then playfully nibbled and tugged at Lisa’s earlobe. The sounds of Rick’s excited breathing in her ear, along with Rick nibbling her ear, made Lisa close her eyes and drop her head back as her passion began to rise. Then he kissed Lisa’s erotic spot on the side of her neck, driving Lisa’s passionate desires even higher. He then slowly moved his hands to Lisa’s shirt and started slowly to unbutton it. Fully unbuttoned but not free of her shirt because Lisa tucked it into her skirt, Rick let his hands slowly roam Lisa’s bare areas on her back and chest that wasn’t covered by her bra. He let his hands feel her soft skin while at the same time softly kissing her lips. Lisa began to moan in erotic delight as Rick slowly began to massage and play with her breasts through the fabric of her bra with his hands and mouth.

Not wanting to miss out on the fun, Lisa started by helping Rick takes off his suit jacket. She slowly and playfully removed Rick’s red tie. She slid the tie off Rick’s neck from the front. Free of the tie, Lisa slowly began to unbutton Rick’s shirt. With the front of his shirt unbuttoned, Lisa let her slender hands roam Rick’s bare chest and back while seductively kissing the front of his neck and face. Letting the shirt fall down but still on his body because he had the tail tucked into his pants, Rick let Lisa kiss his bare chest. The slow and sexy way she was kissing his chest, drove Rick into a frenzy of lust.

Despite having to fly all the time, Rick always find time to work out, lift weights, ride his bicycle, play sports and run, so Rick always in great physical condition. Many of the women on base see Rick all the time, either on the flight line, at the gym, the commissary, the officer’s mess or club or at the PX. Lisa knows that many of those same women wish Rick was their boyfriend. Sorry girls, he’s taken. He’s mine. All mine. Lisa said to herself as if to warn off an unseen interloper.

Laying with Lisa on her bed and both still partly dressed, Rick stopped their kissing but only for a moment to look lovingly into her face. “You’re a thief, Lisa Hayes. You know that.”

“Oh? In what way am I a thief?”

“You stole my heart and made it your own.”

“Well, I can give it back to you if you want. But it will cost you.”

“You can keep it. My heart belongs to you forever.”

Lisa didn’t say anything but she can feel her heart quicken when Rick said those words to her. Oh Rick, you can’t imagine how alive you make me feel when you say those words to me. I can’t believe you’re mine. She then wrapped her arms around Rick’s and hugged him. She then drew him down to her lips and kissed him. After kissing for what seemed to be a long time, Rick broke off their kiss and spoke up. “Do you want go beyond the stars and into the heavens?” Rick said quietly.

“Take me there, Rick. You’re my pilot.” Lisa whispered in a low sexy voice.

Meanwhile at the same time

In the dressing room of the Monument City Amphitheatre, Minmei was finishing putting on her makeup and lipstick. Kyle opened the door angrily and stormed into the dressing room.

“You’re late! Where the Hell have you been!?”

“Sorry.” Minmei said absentmindedly, not telling Kyle that she stopped at a bar just inside Monument City. She drank so much, that Minmei’s chauffeur, Jimmy was afraid that she would be too drunk to sing. He made the bartender give Minmei black coffee to try to sober her up. It had taken over 5 cups of coffee to at least sober her up a bit. Along the way to the amphitheatre, he had to stop the limo several times so Minmei can throw up along the side of the road. She’s going to have one terrible hangover in the morning.

“Just finish getting dressed and get out on stage!” Kyle growled.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of Monument City. Congratulations on your autonomy from the central government. Tonight, in celebration of that event, we have a special treat in store. Minmei has graciously agreed to come and sing for you. Let’s all hang our hopes for a bright future on her songs. And so, let’s have a warm welcome for a great talent…Lynn Minmei!

The small audience filled with humans, micronized Zentraedi and Zentraedi giants, began clapping as the orchestra struck up the opening chords of “Stage Fright”. The curtain opened and Minmei was standing in the center of stage with her head bowed and the microphone dangling down loosely in her hand. The orchestra kept on playing waiting for Minmei to start singing. Kyle, standing off stage to the side was getting concerned. “That was your cue Minmei.” When she didn’t started singing, he was getting mad. “Quit fooling around! Are you all right?”

She meekly looked over to Kyle, nodded her head and said weakly said “Yes.” The orchestra stopped playing and the audience began mumbling among themselves, thinking that maybe this was part of a new act from Minmei. Then they started clapping and chanting “Minmei! Minmei! Minmei!”

“What’s the problem!? The audience loves you Minmei! Show them that you love them! Sing!” Kyle hissed.

Then Minmei sighed, looked out at the audience and with tears in her eyes yelled, “I’m sorry! I can’t perform!”

The cheering from the crowd stopped as they sat in shock at what Minmei had just said..

“I won’t sing! I can’t perform when my heart is breaking!” Minmei then dropped the microphone and ran off stage.

The curtain suddenly dropped and the crowd who came to see Minmei sing, sat in stunned silence.

Four years later

Admirals Rick Hunter and Lisa Hayes-Hunter were at home enjoying the end of the duty day. The building of the SDF-3 was on schedule, but it will still take several more years more for the construction to be completed. On top of that, the ship has to go through tests and trials. The puppy they found at the park, they decided to adopt and is now a full grown dog. They named the dog Chance because it was by chance that Rick, Lisa and the dog met. It’s very protective of Rick and Lisa and wouldn’t let anyone get near them. Although Chance let little Dana Sterling play with him and chase him around the yard of the Hunter’s home whenever Max and Miriya come to visit and they bring little Dana along. As they were on the couch watching television, Rick laid his hand on Lisa’s swollen pregnant belly.

“How are the twins doing today, sweetie?”

“They’re doing well. Claudia and Roy have been kicking up quite a storm lately but they quieted down some today.”

Rick laid his head on Lisa’s pregnant stomach, putting his ear to her stomach as if wanting to hear what the babies are doing and gently rubbing Lisa’s stomach and kissing it.

“Oh honey. I can’t wait for the babies to be born. I just wish Claudia and Roy are alive to see this.”

“I know Rick. I miss them everyday. But I know that a part of them will live on in our children.”

On the television, the news program went off and was replaced by an entertainment news program.

“This is ‘Inside Entertainment’, your daily 30 minute news program. We take you on the inside covering New Hollywood and the entertainment world. Here are your hosts, Nancy Hart and Pat Bush.”

“Hello and welcome to ‘Inside Entertainment”. I’m Nancy Hart.”

“I’m Pat Bush, thanks for watching.”

“This late breaking entertainment news story has just come across the wire and into I.E’s newsroom. Lynn Minmei, the young singing and movie star, originally from Macross City has passed away earlier today. The voice that helped win a war and brought down an alien race with her singing was found dead today in a luxury hotel suite in New Atlanta. She was recently released from rehab for alcohol addiction and prescription drug abuse. While New Atlanta Police and the New Fulton County Coroner’s Office refused to release details of Miss Minmei’s death, rumors have surfaced that the cause of death is suicide from an overdose of prescription drugs for insomnia, depression and anxiety.

It was reported that while police did not find a suicide note, they did find open bottles of prescription drugs and empty bottles of various alcoholic beverages when they entered Miss Minmei’s hotel suite when she didn’t answer her phone for a wake up call. She was in New Atlanta for a concert. Although no details of a funeral or memorial service has been released, it has been reported that Lynn Kyle, Lynn Minmei’s cousin and former manager had said that the funeral service and burial will be private and will be attended only by family members. The media and fans will be barred from the funeral service and burial. It’s not known whether or not Miss Lynn Minmei has left a will.

We’ll give you more details about this late breaking entertainment news story as we get it. Also, we’ll tell you more about the life of Miss Lynn Minmei later in the show. But for now, here’s Nancy with more details about Jan Morris’ upcoming marriage to husband number six, English football star David Beck.”

Stunned upon hearing the news about Minmei’s death, Rick got up from the couch and walked out onto the deck of their home overlooking a lake in a rural area outside of Monument City, the new headquarters for the RDF. He went over to the railing, put both his hands on the railing and bowed his head. Not wanting to believe what he had just heard. Lisa because of her pregnant stomach, had difficulty getting up from the couch to follow Rick. She walked over to where Rick was standing, wrapped her arm around Rick’s shoulder and comforted him. Chance concerned about his master, walked up and stood next to Rick’s leg.

“Rick honey. It’s not your fault. Something must have happened a long time ago to cause Minmei to lose control of her life this way.”

“I know sweetheart. It’s just that…I wonder what happened in Minmei’s past to cause this to happen. I never told you this, but I might as well tell you, since it’s a moot point now. Remember that autumn day of our picnic when we found Chance wandering around in the park?”

Lisa nodded her head.

“Minmei called me just before I was to meet you. She called saying that she wanted to meet me, although she didn’t told me why. I had an idea of why she called and why she wanted to see me, but I didn’t ask her. Anyway, I said no but I didn’t tell her I was spending the day and the weekend with you. Instead, I told her to call the squadron’s orderly room the next week so I can meet up with her then. She never called back. I wonder why?”

State = Fin/The End

feedback = Sí/Yes

email = georgemtATearthlink.net