Virtual Life

It didn't start with virtual sex. Virtual sex was only a graduation of sorts. About four years ago, Don Ricks became hooked on Internet chat rooms and all their uncensored, anonymous sordidness. Initially, his intentions were quite honorable. He had just downloaded America Online and was surfing through AOL's various online offerings. He entered one of the 'Adult Chat' directories on a lark and began to browse the room names. 'Married But Not Dead' seemed harmless enough. So he joined in.

A few inane, meaningless chats later, he happened upon someone claiming to be a young woman--Don knew on the Internet you could never be sure. Her name was Amanda. She said she was from Manchester, England. With a little encouragement, she explained about 'cybersex;' how two or more people described their fantasies and actually engaged in a simulated sexual encounter using play by play descriptions of what they were doing to the other person and what they wanted to be done to them. At first, the idea sounded preposterous and not at all erotic. But then Amanda sent a naked picture of herself by E-mail that she had taken with a digital camera connected to her computer. In the picture, she held a small note card against her stomach with one hand. On the card was a hastily drawn message in large black letters. It said, 'Hi Don, now you know it's really me.'

#

They were incredible. He gazed at them, awestruck. Three of the most beautiful, voluptuous women he had ever seen. They were all looking at him intently, smiling. Their eyes sparkled in the soft light of a single floor lamp. He could smell the sweet fragrance of their perfume. He was sure it was expensive perfume, not unlike the kind his wife Kathy would buy when she wanted to treat herself to something special. His heart raced with excitement. It was like watching a movie, but he was inside with the actors playing a role as important as theirs, if not more so.

#

There was nothing cheap or tawdry about these women. They were the essence of his ultimate sexual fantasy. And they were real. He had no doubt about that now.

'We'll do whatever you want,' pleaded Angela. 'Anything, everything. God, you don't know how much we need you.'

Tiffany joined in. 'Please. Let us make love to you. Let us be with you, at least for a little while.'

Don felt his resolve weakening. 'Help me then,' He said. 'I want to stay with you.'

Tiffany and Angela, visibly relieved, quickly finished undressing him. He didn't protest as they began to stroke and caress him. He knew there was no going back now.

Don tentatively reached out his hand and stroked Amber's cheek, as Angela and Tiffany continued their caresses and soft kisses. Her skin was smooth against his hand, flawlessly smooth. She was also warm; much warmer than he expected. He gently brushed her long hair with the back of his hand. It was like silk and fell lightly over his wrist.

The damn thing is just a game, Don told himself. I'm just testing it to see how it works. It's not real. It's like being in an arcade. Put in your tokens and experience your fantasy. Don knew he was trying to rationalize his next move. But he didn't care. It was too late.

#

By all accounts, Don had achieved the American dream. He had a beautiful wife, two kids and a fine two-story house in Carmel Valley. His job was challenging and full of potential. With bonuses, he was now earning close to three hundred thousand dollars a year.

But something had been happening to Don during the last year or so. The beautiful, upper class women of Del Mar with their perfectly manicured fingernails, coifed hair and breast implants were attracting more of his attention lately. He had the itch.

Don speculated about the roots of his current predicament. He wasn't sure if it was approaching middle age or the fact that he and Kathy, after thirteen years of marriage, were too comfortable with each other. Their sex life had devolved into a three or four time a month routine. Although he didn't complain openly, it was far from steamy.

He loved Kathy, the children and the life they had built together. But the itch had become overpowering. Under the warped moral tutelage of his best friend at VirCom, Sam Borens, and with the aid of the VRX-1000, Don was ready to scratch. As with most common skin irritations, however, once he began to scratch, the itch only got worse.

#

'Mmmmmmm you're such a hot lover Donny. I'm going to stay here until you fuck me at least ten more times today,' she giggled.

Don stretched languidly and then pulled her close.

'Well, I guess I've got nowhere to go. So I'm game. Just give me a minute or two to collect my thoughts hon,' Don said.

'Of course baby.' They lay on the couch embracing and caressing each other for several minutes. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the room. Don leaped off the couch and stood shivering in the middle of the room.

'What the hell?' he said. Another bang shook the room again. Don localized the sound. It was coming from a door on the opposite side of the room. He had always assumed it led nowhere. Apparently, the door was not just a prop. The banging became insistent now. Someone or something was pounding on the door.

'Don't answer it!' Amber yelled to Don. The fear in her voice stopped Don in his tracks. 'It's him,' she added somberly.

'What the hell?' Don repeated as the pounding continued.

'Don't open it. Please Donny listen to me,' Amber was pleading with him now.

'Okay, okay. I won't,' Don said. He walked over to the door and yelled. 'Who's there? What do you want?'

A coarse male voice responded. 'Amber's in there. I heard her. I've come to get you and there's no way you're going to stop me motherfucker!'

'Get out of here,' Don yelled back. 'There's no way in hell I'm going to open this door.'

'Fuck you. I'll break the motherfucker down!' Suddenly, the pounding intensified. The man on the other side of the door was apparently trying to smash through it with brute force. Every thrust against the door reverberated inside the chamber. Don could see the door starting to give way. A few more thrusts and Don would be face to face with Amber's alleged boyfriend. Don decided this was something it would be wise to avoid.

'Amber,' he said, trying to keep calm, 'I think we better terminate the sequence before he breaks through.'

'I don't think you can Donny,' Amber managed to say through her labored sobbing as she huddled naked on the couch. Don reached down, picked up his clothes and began to dress hurriedly. His mind was racing, searching for an escape plan. He spoke as he moved.

'What do you mean I can't? All I have to do is tell the computer to stop the sequence.'

'Has that ever worked before?' she asked, trying to regain her composure.

'Well, no. I've always just kind of played things out. But I guess it's time we found out whether it works. I don't think either of us wants to meet this guy right now. He seems a little pissed off.' Don tried to sound brave even though he was terrified. 'Computer,' Don said in loud, clear voice, 'please shut down the sequence.' Don waited a few moments. Nothing happened. The banging against the door continued.

'No one can hear you wimp!' the voice from behind the door turned Don's blood into ice.

'Computer. Shut down immediately,' Don tried again. Nothing happened. 'Shit,' Don said in frustration. The door finally gave way and Don turned to meet the phantom head on. A young, fierce looking man with black greased back hair and crystal blue eyes charged into the room. Jack took three steps forward and stood straight up, staring at Don malevolently. He was about Don's height but at least forty pounds heavier.

'Your ass