Chapter 40: "what's on your mind... ?"

"After you left, we talked it over amongst ourselves. In our home country, we did not participate in the ... I don't know the name ... in Germany, it is 'FreiKorperKultur', I think. I have heard that it is very popular in Russia, as well, maybe because we have so little daylight in winter."

"We do not have a name for it here in the States, either. It is not even officially recognized, even though between 15 and 20% of Americans do practice it at one time or another and over 50% would tolerate it in others. The closest to an 'official' name would be 'nude recreation' or 'clothes-freedom' but that doesn't even begin to describe it properly. However, DO go on ... you were saying you discussed it amongst yourselves..."

"Since Natasha is of an age where she is starting to be interested in boys and Anatoly will be reaching puberty in but a few years, as well, we asked them what they thought. It is not fair that we impose our ideas on them. We looked at the brochure you left us ... we think even that we recognized a picture of you in the class, as well."

"Well ... after talking about it, we decided to try ... to try to be naked. It was ... difficult. We wondered how it was ... between boys and girls ... I am not sure if I am clear..."

"Quite clear ... Let me put it this way ... My ... boyfriend, I guess you could call him ... he is a lawyer, and he has never been naked in public in his life before last fall and, even then, it has only happened once or twice when he HAD to come here to talk to us. The first time he was naked with me was three weeks ago when we went to the Caribbean together. The problem did not arise ... you understand, I think. What happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom."

"Thank you; that reassures us."

"You said it was difficult last night ... how is it this morning?"

Sergei looked stunned. He spoke rapidly in Russian to his family, who answered in but a few words. Turning back to Lisa, he said "Surprisingly, it is much easier today ... when we first undressed in ... the changing room ... we were anxious but ... now ... it has been over an hour and we are not even thinking of it."

"Excellent. Tell you what ... Why don't you stay here for the rest of the day... ? It is almost lunch-time, have lunch at the bistro here ... Please, as my guests ... and after lunch, wander about the resort; look it over, try out the pool. That in itself is an experience if you've never swam naked before. I, myself, have to be in class this afternoon and I have to get some things ready. Around four o'clock, when school is over, we could meet again here and you could give me your final decision."

"Mr. Brother's office..."

"Is he in, please? It's Lisa Cummings calling."

"Lisa ... it's nice to hear your voice..."

"Is it, Joseph? I haven't said anything yet..."

"Er ... Well ... you know what I mean..."