Steffie... 2.0 chapter 10

 Steffie... 2.0

Chapter 10

The following evening, Dominique and I headed to Celeste's condo. I wore a pair of soft, well-worn jeans with one leg cut off neatly to accommodate my long cast, the fabric ending just above the top of it. My sweatshirt, a deep charcoal gray, hung loosely offering warmth against the cool evening air. Dominique matched the laid-back vibe in a pair of dark skinny jeans that highlighted her long legs, her navy sweatshirt slightly oversized and falling just past her hips sitting in her wheelchair.

Celeste greeted us at the door with her usual radiant warmth, her cane in one hand. She was wearing a casual pair of black jeans and a burgundy turtleneck. Her short leg cast, peeked out from beneath her jeans.

"Welcome, come in!" she said, her smile wide. "There's someone I'd like you to meet."

We followed her into the spacious living area, where the warm glow of floor lamps that illuminate a room filled with bookshelves and abstract art. By the window stood a woman who, at first glance, seemed as striking as one of Celeste's paintings come to life. Emma, Celeste's wife, turned to greet us, her reserved yet friendly expression radiating quiet confidence.

"This is Emma," Celeste said, gesturing toward her with pride. "My better half."

Emma was shorter but very athletic looking despite the green cast on her whole arm and thumb. Her athletic build hinted at years of physical activity, and her piercing blue eyes sparkled with intelligence. She wore dark gray leggings and a forest-green pullover that coordinated with her broken arm, the soft material emphasizing her natural elegance. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, and a faint scar along her cheekbone hinted at the adventurous life she'd led.

"It's wonderful to meet you both," Emma said, her voice calm and steady. She extended her uninjured hand toward me first, then Dominique. "Celeste has told me so much about you."

We exchanged pleasantries before settling down. As we talked, Emma's demeanour softened, and she began to share her story.

"I was a professional downhill skier for over a decade," she explained, her gaze distant as if recalling the rush of snow-covered slopes. "But with that came its share of risks. Multiple accidents over the years left me with more casts and crutches than I can count. At first, I saw them as symbols of failure, of limits. But over time, I began to see the beauty and necessity in them. They're a testament to what we endure, what we overcome."

Her words resonated deeply, and I nodded in understanding. "I've felt that too being a gymnast," I said.

Emma's gaze shifted to Dominique, her expression curious and thoughtful. "And you?" she asked gently. "Celeste mentioned your... unique approach to your wheelchair. You've truly made it your own. You look amazing in your chair" She said while her green cast touched Dominique's legs.

Dominique's cheeks flushed slightly, but she met Emma's gaze with a small smile. "I've always been fascinated by mobility devices. At first, it was just curiosity, but now it's become something more. I love exploring what it feels like, what it represents." she added.

"It's refreshing to meet someone so open about embracing what others might see as a dirty fetish with limitations. It's inspiring."

The conversation flowed easily after that, a shared connection growing between us as we discussed everything from art and design to personal journeys. By the time the evening ended, I felt a sense of kinship with both Celeste and Emma, their openness and creativity leaving a lasting impression.

As Dominique and I prepared to leave, Celeste placed a hand on my shoulder. "I have an idea I'd like to discuss with you both before you go."

"I have a proposal. What if we create something together? A collaborative art piece, a photo-shoot, that explores the intersection of pain, beauty, and connection. It could be raw, intimate, and powerful. The four of us, each bringing our stories and presence into the frame."

Dominique, seated beside me in her sporty wheelchair, looked taken aback. She adjusted the cuffs of her sweatshirt, her gaze darting between Celeste and me. "A photo-shoot?" she echoed, skepticism lacing her tone. "What kind of photo-shoot?"

Celeste clarified, leaning forward slightly taking my broken leg in her hand, caressing my cast. "I want to capture the essence of each of you,your emotions, your vulnerabilities, and your strength. You, Dominique, in your wheelchair, embodying the freedom of choice and the beauty of movement. Emma and her history, marked by multiple crashes and broken bones, a testament to resilience and adaptation. And you..." she turned to me with a smile, "graceful and bold on your crutches, with your cast as a symbol of your journey. Together, it's a narrative about embracing who we are, scars and all."

I felt a ripple of excitement but glanced at Dominique, unsure of her reaction. Her brow furrowed as she fiddled with the rim of her wheelchair. "I don't know, "I've never done anything like that. And... putting myself out there like that? It feels... vulnerable."

Emma, sitting beside Celeste with her broken arm in a sling, spoke up for the first time since the proposal. "Vulnerability is where the magic happens," she said, her voice soft but firm. She stood, walked over to Dominique, leaned over and kissed her softly.

"I've done some media in my skiing days, but nothing like this. What Celeste is describing, it's not about posing. It's about being. Showing who you are at that moment. It's scary, but it's also freeing."

I reached over and placed a hand on Dominique's knee, squeezing gently. "You don't have to decide right now," I said. "But I think this could be something special. Something we'll remember forever."

Dominique met my gaze, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I'll think about it," she murmured, her tone thoughtful.

Celeste smiled, her enthusiasm undeterred. "That's all I ask. And if we do this, I'll make sure it's a comfortable and collaborative process. You'll have input on everything from the setting to the final images. It's about all of us, together."

The room fell into a contemplative silence. I could see the gears turning in Dominique's mind as she considered Celeste's vision.

Later that evening, as we drove home, Dominique finally broke the silence. "It's not that I don't want to do it, I'm just not used to being... seen like that. But maybe that's the point, right? To step out of the box and show people what they wouldn't expect?"

I smiled, pride swelling in my chest. "Exactly. And no matter what you decide, I'll be right there with you. But I bet Celeste could make this session very beautiful and sensual"

Dominique nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Alright. Let's do it."

Steffie... 2.0
Conclusion to come