March Stephenson

Chapter 31

March Stephenson

Maxieplus.

In the end, I didn't stress too much about Hank and Jimmy they have to run their very own race, and they both have to grow up like I did.

I shield March, there is so much I could tell him. Things I saw and things I was involved in. But he is a different sort of man, he sees us as different. He would understand and he would accept, but I am not going to push his buttons. Like me, he has had a lot to deal with and in a way we both healed ourselves by being together, and we found that common ground Hank and Jim must find.

We picked up the chickens for dinner and then headed for mum's place where we had a great night, but my tiredness got the better of me so we left a little early. Mum did say that she had a great afternoon with Faith. I hit the bed as soon as we got in and that is the last thing I remembered until morning. late nights in the city sometimes do that to a person that isn't used to them.

I looked at him and was thinking about licking every inch of his body then he smiled.

"You are looking at me again."

"Just a glance." He snuggled in and said.

"Sure."

Mason was awake, I could see his arms and legs moving about so I got up and grabbed him, surprisingly he was dry, so I placed him in the bed with us. March got up and moved to my side of the bed and snuggled in behind me, my hand reached around grabbed his ass and he moaned.

"Still tender."

I laughed, I knew he would be bruised.

Mason played and so did March, that man is unreal when he is like this.

"Did you get it all done baby?"

"Yes on both counts, no more work until Monday morning."

"Many cars?"

"Three Nicky."

"That's okay then." Mase grabbed my nose and scratched it.

"Ow." He giggled.

"I have to do his nails."

"We had better get up."

"Are you finished what you were just doing?" I asked.

He laughed and then he bundled up his son and we both went out to cut his nails. I hated doing that I always think I'm going to slip and do some damage, but March was very good at it.

I put the coffee on and didn't ask him what he wanted for breakfast, I knew he would want his standard eggs and bacon with toast.

"What do you want to do today March?"

"I don't know maybe go for a drive, maybe I will put the tool shed together."

"The tool shed will do, then we can cuddle on the couch."

"Ok."

Mase was put on the floor and he immediately went for the back door, thankfully it's always kept locked. He sat and looked out and every now and then he would point at something.

"ook" I knelt and looked with him, then I saw it.

"March there's a fire by the lake." He came over and sure enough, he confirmed it by grabbing his phone and calling it in.

He left shortly after and then the siren went. I praised bub's for spotting it but maybe it was just a rabbit he saw, he doesn't know fires yet.

It didn't look too bad from the porch, but I stood with my coffee in hand and watched the smoke grow. I gave Mase his bottle and he played with it for some time, I guess he's not hungry. I made some toast and he grazed on that, to the point most of it lay on the floor all soggy. I thought about ringing May to find out how the fire is going but decided to look on the laptop for myself.

Thank God it was being controlled by the looks of it, so I closed it down and opened the back door again. I also looked at the big carton that held the tool shed. When I got it out of the box I found the instructions and nearly screamed, they were like the ones you get from Ikea. Bubs helped me to lay it all out, he even tasted the metal to see if it was ok. I found the rivet gun that came with it then proceeded to put it all together.

My skills with this sort of thing were limited but I did get it sorted out, the only thing I couldn't work out was the door so I will leave that for March.

Bubs was fed some sloppy baby food and the TV went on to the cartoon channel, he had a nap.

Three hours later March arrived back home, he said it was out and being monitored, a power outlet had exploded at the football club changing shed.

I kissed him then started making him some lunch, last night's leftovers in the microwave oven.

Apart from the fire, these are the kind of days I liked, uncomplicated stay-at-home days.

I sat him at the table and we had lunch together, he grinned all through his meal. After lunch, I opened the laptop again and there was an email from Tom.

'What happened to Glen, did you see anything?'

'No, what's the goss?'

'He's ranting that some country bumpkin attacked him and he's threatening to go to the police.' I laughed to myself, I could also have him up for assault and he knows it.

'I wouldn't take any notice of him, he probably deserved it.'

'My thoughts exactly, big day Thursday Nicky, the big visit.'

'How is Pete doing?'

'Good he's looking forward to getting out, we have loads of plans.'

'Good to hear.'

And it was good to hear, and about time they went straight.

I was grateful March hit that idiot, it's time the gay community took a stand and got rid of him for good.

March was finishing up the tool shed, he was frustrated but managed to get the door on straight, I helped with the shelving and then the tools. Everything looked a lot better and I had so much more room. The sideboard will be picked up next week and when that is done we will buy a small cupboard.

By the time he had finished it was nearly dinner time.

"What do you want for dinner, I have some steaks but limited veggies."

"Pub?"

"Mason."

"Chinese?"

"You got it baby I'll order some." He knows I like Chinese also.

Bubs was playing around the house and had disappeared, my God they are quick. I found him in our bathroom, he had been attracted by the silver tiles that bordered the bottom of the dark grey tiles. His tongue was out and he was licking it, I don't think he liked the taste because his nose screwed up.

"Come on bubs, enough of that I have some lovely veggies for you." He squealed as I picked him up. The one thing I have learned is never ever feed a baby when there is adult food around. March went to pick our order up, and I tried to shove a spoonful of mashed-up food into Mase, not tonight he's not having any of that stuff. Sometimes I think he can read minds because when March came back he headed straight for the kitchen.

"Not for you bubs, mashy food only." I said. The lip dropped and the winging was deafening.

"Leave it to me I saw this trick on youtube Nicky. He grabbed the baby and placed him in the high chair then he took a dim sim and his baby food over.

Mason's arms were going at fifty miles an hour as March placed the dim sim under his nose. He opened his mouth then March popped some baby food into his gob, he ate it. Three-quarters of what was on offer and Mase was fed and very happy.

March had repeated the action several times as he ate, and bubs was none the wiser.

In the end, I broke off a bit of the delicious treat and gave it to him.

"That was an eye opener March, maybe we should do that all the time."

"I thought it was cute when I watched it, I didn't think it would work but it does."

"Now get your dinner and sit with me."

In the morning his ass was still sore, but he let me touch it at least. Bubs was awake early, but didn't want to get up he wanted to play with his crib toys.

"Have you heard from Tom?"

"Yes he said Thursday is the big visiting day for Matt, so I hope it all goes well for Pete. He gets out in a week or two so he wouldn't want any mishaps to block it."

"Anything on the idiot I punched?'

"Yes he is complaining about it, but no one is listening. I doubt he will go to the cops because that will put him in their sights also. I just wish the gay crowd held him to account. Maybe I will write an anonymous letter to the chief of police." I giggled under the blanket.

"Keep going." He ordered, so I did.

The sun was out and it's going to be warm today, I might drive to work it will be hot for Mason in his ride. Breakfast was pretty much the same as last night, leftovers were eaten and one container for morning tea was made up.

"I'll take Mase with me Nicky, you can still run to work."

"If you want March, I don't mind either way."

I set about readying myself, Mason watched. March picked him up and told him he was riding with him today, he fell towards me and isn't having any of that nonsense either. I opened up the stroller so he will at least get a breeze, kissed my still laughing husband, and left to do a short run.

I got the feeling he wanted to talk to me because he was making all sorts of sounds as I ran, I just answered him politely like I usually do.

Mum was at the helm and Rose was behind May's counter sorting out some stock, they both looked busy so I made us a coffee and warmed Mason's bottle up a little. I told mum about March's trick and she said she had never heard of it, she also said he should be on solids full time now. When everything was done I sat with March and Mase laid back so he could have a drink.

"Is dad over there?'

"Yes Nicky he has already started work."

"Did you see mums new menu?"

"No." He got up and went inside to look.

"Wow." I heard.

I guess this will be the roast beef arriving now, as I watched Faith park her car in the street. He came back with a big grin on his face I reminded him he has Chinese for morning tea today. His sad face got to me and I said I would have it instead. I passed bubs over to him and went to help Faith.

"You and mum are going to make my husband fat." She giggled.

"He won't get fat he is naturally toned."

"And you know this, how?"

"I'm depressed, not dead."

"What got you all depressed today my lovely?"

"This whole Hank Jimmy thing I wish it would just go away, grab that carton thanks, Nicky."

"They will sort it out, it's not up to you to do it for them."

"Hank had a good talk to Ethan and they have agreed he should take some time off, he's going to see Jimmy and had already hired his replacement."

"Good to hear, they will have so much fun traveling around the country." She gave me a squinted eye look.

"Well they might decide to live a little Faith, no harm in that."

"I want them back home."

"And there's the problem, family ties. Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Has Jimmy ever traveled outside the farm?"

"No Nicky, he has always been with me." I lifted my eyebrows and she got her answer. She cleared her throat and March watched I didn't drop his roast.

"There is four in there Mary, I have done the veggies except the peas and beans."

"Thank you Faith they are in the pot. Let's hope it is a winner."

"It will be mum, March is already working out his orders."

"It's a shame Nicky I kind of like our roast nights."

"So does he and don't think for one minute you can cancel them because there's always room for more."

Faith potted around a bit and I went to sit and finish my coffee, I looked at March and thought no he won't get fat and if he looks like he's going to, the diet starts immediately, he won't like that one bit.

Faith took Mason and March talked to her for a few minutes then he left to go do some work.

"I'm sorry Nicky." I heard.

"What for?"

"Am I that overbearing?"

"No, you a mother and do motherly things, but sometimes cutting the cord can bring on all sorts of wonderful rewards for you and the family."

"I know you are right, after the bashing I pulled him in closer and we even moved states. I can't attribute all that to him, it was Ethan and I that wanted to come here."

"My all-seeing eye says when they come back they both will be different men. There's a fine line to walk if you are gay and stuck on a farm, you see no way out and you don't have the life you want. Your other sons are happy they have kids and wives and they do the straight life, but Jim is gay, he's for want of a better word, different. It doesn't mean he's strange just a little different."

"So you are thinking of a condo in the city and an office job?"

"Maybe, but maybe he will come back to farming. It's up to them Faith they have to run their race, one that gives them the freedom to do what they want to do." She looked at me strangely and shook her head.

"No wonder March Stephenson loves you." Nothing else was said and when she finished catching up with Mason she went back inside to give mum a hand. I found out later she had been hired for a few hours of work in the cafe, to help with the lunchtime rush.

I went back to work, bubs nap time is looming and I needed to see my husband, not to touch him, just look at him. He took Mase and placed him in the high chair so he can watch him work then I went into the gym and said hello to everyone. I announced that the cafe now has roast dinners on offer, it got the best of some guys and I watched them go across the road.

"I hope they aren't going to eat it all up Nicky, can you go and reserve a large roast for my morning tea?"

"She has plenty March, and you have to start settling down on the amount of food you eat." He laughed as he went back to talk to bubs.

I watched the cafe after mum posted an ad on the local page, people were coming from everywhere, so I texted her to save some for March. I saw May sitting there with a big plate of food so I poked my head into the garage and sang out to March to tell him May was eating everything, he grabbed bubbie from the back seat of a car and we started walking over the road.

"One each for you guys, watch the plates they are hot." Faith handed us both a dinner and I put Mase into his ride and March couldn't wipe that smile off his face.

May said her hellos then went back to her meal, I looked at mine and decided it was too good to miss out on. I will have my Chinese for lunch.

It was lip smacking food just the way we liked it, Faith had done a good job on the roast and March gave it his tick of approval.

"Now, your quick dig at my weight didn't go unnoticed Nickolas Stephenson. I have been the same weight since I was nineteen, no change, no add-ons or take-offs."

"That's good to know March, I'm the same too," May said.

"Well maybe not now, but it will catch up with you eventually," I said.

They both laughed, smart asses.

Mum was busy, and when dad arrived he was also handed a pre-made plate. May got up and started clearing the tables, Brenda came down from the council and sat with us while she ate.

"This is exactly what this town needs, no time to cook roasts in my line of business, this is awesome." I think Faith will be up all night cooking, something she loves to do and excels at.

Bubs woke up and was fed a small mashed up potato with peas, his eyes were everywhere then he spotted his cuddle of choice. May had finished stacking the dishwasher and was back by our side again, his arms shot out this time and she smiled as she took him from me.

"Does he do that often?" Brenda asked.

"Do what Brenda?" I asked.

"Choose who holds him."

"Yes he certainly does."

"My boys were the same." She smiled.

"He watches everyone around him and picks the person that is going to inconvenience him the least, or talk to him, or play with him." I laughed.

"I think it's time you upped his solids, he should be on them full-time by now," Brenda advised, just like mum did.

"He does have them but sometimes it's not convenient."

"Too much takeout at your house Nicolas Stephenson."

I moaned that I wasn't a good cook, and the takeout is convenient.

"Then you learn, your mum cooks, Faith cooks what's the problem? Oh, don't answer that." She leered at March.

"Don't blame me for being attractive Brenda."

"Well, I guess dinner at your place means something entirely different." She giggled.

I couldn't stop laughing and the crowd mum had at her tables were all looking at us.

"Nothing to see here, go back to your roasts."

And they did, mum said later it was now the biggest day she has ever had, money-wise.

"I guess Faith will be slaving over a hot stove all night again." I sald.

"She won't be Nicky, the outcome is mostly the same with the pressure cookers, I will have two on the go and so will Faith. The oven stuff will only be the potatoes and pumpkin, the plus side is Faith gets out of the farm for a few hours a day."

"I think that will be a very good thing mum."

Two cars have been picked up and the third one's owner is here to get his, then we can go for a dip or go home and tub it.

March voted to go home, and Mase didn't care too much where he went. We stripped off and got in the tub, he was seated in his chair after he got his daddy dips, and I cuddled up to March.

"What do you want for dinner?'

"Is there any Chinese left?"

"Yes, I forgot about that, there are two made up."

"Good no cooking again."

"Okay, spill it, I know you don't like my cooking but you could at least pretend you do."

"What cooking is that Nicky?" He started laughing. I do good steaks and casseroles, and that reminds me I have to do a run to the veggie barn tomorrow Mason is running out, the baby food just doesn't cut it anymore. I will buy a roast chook tomorrow he also likes that, and dinner will be sorted once again.

We ate then bathed him and readied him for bed, March cuddled bubs on the couch and we watched some TV, when his eyes closed he put him to bed, and that was our cue to start fooling around.

Well the crap hit the fan on Thursday, although I wasn't there I heard from my reliable sources that Annie went ballistic at the detention centre. Matt almost strangled her and was demanding what she did with his money. Pete played dumb as Matt told him what had occurred, and Annie should have left it alone but she had to go on and on about someone being in her home. Pete has three days to deal with it and then he will be released. Tom was saying if Matt threatens him Pete will get his mates onto him and walk away. He updated me on the business and some things didn't add up, but I believed him. I tend to be trusting until something goes wrong, then I kick myself.

Hank has caught up with Jimmy and they have purchased a small caravan to drag around the countryside, he will pick up rodeo work and Jimmy will do seasonal picking at various orchards or market gardens. Faith was telling me this when she got to work on Friday.

"I guess they have talked it out and now need a big holiday."

"It sounds like it Nicky, I still miss them but I do think this will be good for both of them now." She smiled and it wasn't forced, so I was very happy for her and Ethan, and the boys.

My son was being entertained by his aunty May today, she doesn't start work until three so she sometimes sits out the front of the cafe just in case the ladies need a hand. Mum had handed me some recipes I can do in the cooker, so now I'm armed for anything.

March was talking to a guy I hadn't been introduced to but he looked like a local businessman, he was nodding his head and then he looked at me and smiled, he sometimes does that.

He did introduce me to Keith who turned out to be the president of the local football club.

"You would be interested in this Nicky, a fun run." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Nothing fun about it, March Stephenson, It's a lot of hard work for some of us."

"You will breeze it in, first prize is a stack of vouchers from the local businesses."

"Oh goody, more vouchers I can't use." I was assuming, and so was he that I would win.

"What is it in aid of?" I thought I had better ask.

"New shower block for the club, replacing the burnt-out one Nicky. We got a stack of money from your calendar but that is used for the oval upkeep and outgoings, the insurance will pay for most of the rebuilding but not all, the guys want a gym installed." I arched up and said a flat-out.

"No!"

"It's just for the team Nicky."

"Are trying to put me out of business?"

"It will be small." Wrangle your way out of this one mate.

"Put a hot tub in, and I might think about relieving you of all those vouchers."

I didn't care if they put one in, I had to look like I cared for my business's sake.

"How long is the run?"

"Fifteen kilometres, walk or run everyone entered will find their own sponsors and we will raise money that way, of course there will be shorter routes for the kids."

"I see, it sounds good to me I might take Mase with me. March you do have running shorts don't you?"

"Not for me Nicky, I doubt I could run three K's let alone fifteen." He smiled.

"Yes, I guess swimming is your choice of exercise." I had to say it, it was too good an opportunity not to say anything.

"Keep going." He squinted his eyes at me.

I straightened up and said I would be happy to enter and my first sponsor will be March Stephenson.

"Give me a fifty March?"

He dug around in his top pocket and found one, then handed it to me.

"Thank you, my first sponsor had arrived."

"What?" he yelled.

"You do want to sponsor me don't you March?"

"Yes of course I do, but that is a bit much, I will be sponsoring others too, it all adds up."

May was giggling so I snapped my fingers at her.

"You too, fifty bucks thanks May."

"No bloody way." I glared at her then Mason, my arms reached out and she reached for her bag.

"Fifty you said?"

"Yes thank you May, no checks."

Keith left laughing his head off, he had told us Brenda was making up a notice for the local page and he's left it up to her to pick a date.

"What is all the screaming about out here?" Mum said.

"Mum give me fifty dollars will you?" She went to find her purse, and just like that I will win the most money collected. I didn't have to ask Rose she came out with it in her hand and I hit dad up when he came across for lunch.

"But Nicky I have to sponsor others also."

"So you are asking for a refund?"

"Yes, well no, but you could have warned me first."

I waved the money in his face and reminded him it was for a good cause.

My son was now in dads arms and March went to get them both a roast dinner for lunch, three k's, really? I had better get onto training him up.

Faith was another one I hit up for money I told her she owed me, and she barked a bit but Rose gave her a lesson on meanness.

"Tell Ethan I will catch up with him shortly." I started laughing and then went to get some food.

"Maybe you should start a book March."

"What's a book?"

"Bets on whose going to win, talk to dad he knows things."

"But that's illegal."

"But you can make a pile of money March." He's thinking about it.

"You might not win Nicky, there will be some stiff competition, all those gym members and the football teams." He was trying to psyche me out.

"The gym members are mostly muscle jocks, they can't run that far, the footy players are sprinters they only run for a short time on the oval, unless they are trained as runners of course. But place your bet on someone else, it doesn't bother me that you throw your money away" I smirked.

"I will shut up then." May started laughing and so did I.

I didn't have to worry too much about May she has her head screwed on properly and Jason does love her very much.

Quite often I would see the florist shop deliver flowers to her door, and there is always a box of chocolates on her desk.

"Fuck me." I heard dad say.

"What's up dad?" March smiled.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Surprise." March said as the big smile on his face returned.

I looked across the road and a very nice vintage car was being unloaded from an enclosed car trailer.

"What kind of car is that March?"

"Torana A9X a real beauty, racetrack quality."

"Do you know how to work on them dad?"

"No son, but I will by tomorrow morning." He grinned at March. I guess they both will be hitting the internet tonight, well not March he has worked on it before. Dad shoved the rest of his meal down his throat and walked across the road to have a good look, it had also attracted many lookers from the gym.

It was time for a little boy nap, so I took him and went over to show him the shiny car, he likes cars he's got quite a few to play with now.

I gave him some milk and his eyes closed. He was then placed in his napping pool and I opened my laptop, two more memberships.

Around three I barely heard the music and I was pleased May had turned it down. Brian (Brenda's son) came in and he said hi to me, then he started on his workout. He will do a half hour then sit with me or maybe I will go on home. He is looking good and the gym has been kind to him, he's going to have a great shape. I went to have my afternoon coffee and Brian said he will watch Mason. I looked in on dad and March they were both sitting in the front seat of the car talking. I half expected them to start it up and drive around the block a few times.

I grabbed a coffee and sat in the sun, the local page was a buzz about the fun run, there were so many funny posts I laughed at a few, liked a lot and loved a couple. There was one post that stood out in its simplicity, all it said was.

'Please can someone take me on the run, pleeeease?'

It was posted by a boy called Cory Young.

'Hi Cory, Nicky Stephenson here. What seems to be the problem? I would like to help if I can.' I sent him a personal message for which I almost immediately got an answer to.

'Hi Nicky, thanks for talking to me. I don't think you would want to run with me because you are a good runner. I just want to run and anyone that can walk me or jog me will do. I am nine years old. Mum said I can do it, if I go with someone responsible.'

'Okay let's meet up and discuss it.'

'But I watch you run and you are good, I want you to win, so can I go with someone else?'

'You can, but don't you want to win too?'

There was no reply, I have no idea who this kid was and his silence tells me I may have said or offered too much, or he doesn't want to run with me at all.

March and dad came across the road and he complained I didn't wait for him, as usual.

"You and dad looked like you were having fun, so I didn't want to disturb you." I smiled.

"I'll have another coffee while you're there, and no sneaky roasts March."

He giggled as he went in to see Rose. Dad was talking to mum and she was shaking her head, I suppose he wants to buy the Torana now.

March kissed me and sat down then he took my hand.

"March do you know a Cory Young?"

He smiled and asked me why I wanted to know.

"I was just talking to him on the local page, he wants help to do the run." He shook his head.

"He's a thirteen year old kid that has been wheelchair bound for the past five months. He was really into his sport until he got landed with a cyst on his spine. Two operations later and he's in a wheelchair, I believe not for life but it's been hard for him so his mum says."

"Poor kid, so he will get better?"

"I believe so he goes to therapy once a fortnight but it's a slow process. Where is Mason?"

"Brian is watching him. So he is an athlete?"

"Yes." He laughed again.

Rose came out and sat.

"What am I missing?"

"Cory Young." March said, Rose groaned.

"That kid will be the death of his mum, he is always going missing."

"I think he's trying to con Nicky into a free ride in the fun run." I looked at him and thought, he may be a con artist but it's only because he wants to enter it.

"Remember the time he caught the bus to Melbourne to watch the Olympic trials?" She almost choked laughing.

"Yes he lost his return ticket and started walking home, he was picked up by the cops and his mum had to go and get him." He laughed.

Dad came out and he was smiling.

"Is she going to let you buy one?"

"Buy one what?"

"Torana."

"You got me son, yes that Torana is mine."

"That Torana is Leo's dad, and it's not for sale."

"I know, just having some fun with my son March. He wants to know why I was laughing with his mum." He looked at blushing me.

"Well?" I asked.

"I was telling her that March wanted to buy it. She said he already had a muscle car, according to our son."

"I said I would like to buy one like it, not that one, it's not road worthy it's a race track machine."

"How is the heating in them March?"

"I know, I know, you don't have to keep reminding me."

"Just making sure we are on the same page husband."

"We are." He went very quiet.

I was getting ready to leave, I have a chicken to pick up for dinner and it all takes time to peel the veggies. I poked my head into the workshop.

"Nicky, what's wrong?"

"Just letting you know I'm going home, cooking to do and all that stuff."

He kissed me deeply and said he would see me soon, and did I want him to pick up anything?

"I have this March, dinner will be awesome."

He laughed, loudly.

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