March Stephenson

Chapter 38

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

We sat outside the cafe for ages, I watched Jack's shop it was busy and I see he has Cory helping him. He hasn't told anyone he can run but they can see he can walk a bit better. It was an hour later before we packed up that Cory came up the street, he didn't look too happy.

"You said you would do the run with me."

"I still am Cory, what's wrong?"

"The local page, they are all saying you hurt your leg and wouldn't be running."

"That's not true, look just a band-aid that's all."

"There are pictures of a leg that's busted."

I took my phone out and started looking through the photos, there was a close-up of a damaged knee but it wasn't mine.

I took a photo of the said knee and posted it with a comment.

"You can't psyche me out with those fake photos, just a graze, and may I say my times are right up there if anyone wants to know."

I left it at that and Cory was smiling again.

"We start Monday Cory I will have the wheelchair and we go around the block a few times." He started to run off, then he stopped and walked a little unsteadily. A good clip under the ears would do him some good too.

"What are you up to husband?"

"I think I will go home Nicky, dads nearly finished and the gas May can watch."

"Okay I will go too if that is alright, can you take bub, I will run with the stroller?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I need to exercise more."

We did just that and when I got in he was just about to slip into the tub.

I lost my clothes and got in with him.

"Did the scan go okay?" He pulled me in and said.

"Yes Nicky, it's a girl."

"How do you know that?"

"I got eyes, it's the first thing I looked for." He giggled.

"Good, and she's calling her March."

"Wow, how do you know that?"

"Bubs told me at the cafe."

"You are a very smart little boy bubbie." He kissed Mason prattled on, I guess he is trying to tell us the whole story.

"How did the run go?"

"Good my times are down a bit, I don't have the drive to get them up it will be potluck if I win."

"Are you trying to drive your odds down?"

I laughed because I know he has bet some money on me.

After fooling around for an hour we showered and I looked in the fridge for something for dinner.

"We can get take away Nicky, come here."

He was laying naked on the couch, what man could resist that sight? Bubs played in his new room while March made love to me, the big tv played on and I moaned.

Pizza was ordered and the table set, he had pulled on some shorts and I watched his world-class ass once again.

"So you think you might not win Nicky?"

"All I can do is give it a shot March, it's the wheelchair that will slow me up a bit. I have to adjust my running to compensate for it along with my dicky arm."

"I thought it had cleaned itself up."

"It has but not completely I am always aware that it's there."

"Oh." He probably didn't know about that because it is something I don't talk about. Mason waddled out looking for food, I cut up some pizza for him and he sat in his high chair and destroyed it, he likes the pizza and the Chinese.

I cleaned up his mess and made up some more for him, so with a spoon in one hand and a slice of food in the other I fed us both. March cleaned up the leftovers and I threw the boxes into the bin.

He went to bed easily and talked to his friends for a while then his room went quiet, Mason finally got off to sleep. In the morning we readied ourselves to go to the car museum, mum and dad had arrived and he was playing with bubs on the couch while mum cooked March and me some breakfast.

"So will we be going out for lunch today or coming home?" The question was directed to March.

"We might find a nice pub and have a Sunday roast Nicky."

"That would be good March do you know a good one?' Mum asked.

"Yes just outside of the town we are going to, they do a good luncheon."

"What car are we taking?"

"We might take yours Nicky, the old truck isn't that comfortable anymore."

"They may want to buy it off you."

"They won't get it that's your truck."

"Well, it needs a good run March." Dad got in on our conversation.

"Soon, I will start bringing it into work again."

"Okay, we take my car and go out for lunch then."

"Yes Nicky, we had better get ready."

We did just that and mum and dad followed us three towns east of our town.

Bubs fell asleep as usual and March drove my car, his hand slipped over to my shorts and I slipped down the seat to give him a better go at me.

There was nothing we could do it's too dangerous nowadays, too many tourists on the road so he didn't get a moving suck.

He pulled up outside a big barn-like building, the car park was nearly empty but along either side of the barn, there were tractors, hay bailers, and assorted types of farm machinery, all rusting and standing proud in each of their allotted spaces. It was the old train that captivated my imagination, it was half buried in the back but still a huge part of our past. We walked around and bubs got to sit on some awesome rides, there were plenty more out the other paddocks, but time was wasting and dad and March wanted to go see the cars.

"Hi Jake, we finally made it." March smiled at the guy that was taking the money.

"Just go in March no charge today. Good to see you again Nicky, Mr and Mrs Wilson, welcome."

March opened his wallet and placed a fifty on the counter.

"I charge you and you charge me, and thank you for the offer Jake."

There was no argument, and we went through the door. What an amazing place he has here, dad was very excited he had recognized some of the old cars he had worked on in there. There must have been two hundred cars all lined up all sparkling under the lights. I started pulling doors open and sitting behind the wheels of some. When dad and mum were looking at a very nice Mustang I slipped into the back seat of a big Buick.

"This back seat is huge March." I opened my legs.

"Don't do that Nicky, you know we are being watched."

"Where?"

"The cameras baby, but yes that seat looks mighty inviting." He slipped in next to me with Mase and had a feel for a minute or two then he kissed me and then he moved on to the next car. We had a great family day, and March explained all the cars to me he even guessed right on the year they were made. Dad took some photos of mum posing on the bonnets and Mason was posed to have plenty more taken.

Lunch was everything I expected from a country restaurant, the dining room needed some tic, but it was mainly a tourist eatery and because it was a nice day we would sit outside.

March knew the waitress and they talked about family for a while then he introduced us to her, he told me after she left she was the owner's daughter and lunch will be on them today.

"So you paid Jake but not here."

"Family Nicky distant cousins, we sort of look after each other." He smiled.

"So how many families are you related to March?"

"Only a few Nicky, they all have their own lives to live but we catch up occasionally, we don't live in each other's pockets."

"I see."

What I wanted to know was, if there were any March Stephenson lookalikes in the family, I could go for that. The meals were big and some diners didn't look too happy, but once again March said.

"They have dropped their guard and its all over seasoned."

Bubs had a high chair provided and between mum and me we got some food into him, it was the ice cream he was more interested in and so was March.

"Nicky, can you drive home?"

"Of course, why don't you take a nap in the back seat."

He did that and he and Mase slept all the way home, I doubt whether we will be having any dinner I think that luncheon one did him in.

On Monday I drove to the wheelchair hire place and picked up a lightweight sports model. The assistant extended the handles to my liking and in no time I was back on the road again.

March had to make sure it was safe and when Cory gets to his shop I will take him up to the football oval for a run.

At long last March's tummy had settled and now he was looking to get us back to normal, so after I found a babysitter for Mason we headed for the shed.

"I miss you Nicky." He kissed me.

"I missed you also March, you shouldn't eat so much."

"I couldn't help myself I was hungry."

"I see, now drop your underwear I need some more dessert."

At work I sat at my desk looking at the banking and thinking maybe March has found his Waterloo and he has over-stuffed himself with roast, but oh no he poked his head in and said.

"Lunchtime Nicky come on I'm hungry." I nearly dropped my Ipad. Grabbing bubs I walked with him and dad across the road, May was as usual sitting out the front.

"I'll have the curried sausages March." His eyes lit up.

"I met some of your family yesterday May, lovely people that run the restaurant."

"Distant cousins Nicky, we hardly ever see them unless one of their cars is acting up."

"We had a mighty fine lunch on them."

"So you should have Nicky, they use March up when they can, lousy assholes."

"So lunch wouldn't have been provided out of the goodness of their hearts then."

"No, March would have deliberately taken you there to get back some of the money they owe him."

"So it's not always about you scratch my back I'll scratch yours then?"

"Not from that lot Nick, they are users."

"Have you heard from Aunty Betty I keep forgetting to ask you."

"Just the one letter Nicky, I wrote back with March's offer and haven't heard back yet. If she still insists on coming here I will tell her I'm pregnant and there's no room at the inn."

"Good idea, bubs will need her room when she gets here."

"Her?" May said.

"Her, and her name will be March. What are you using for a middle name?" She almost went ballistic, she was doing a March and about to start ranting.

I passed Mason over to her and said.

"Talk to your nephew, tell him a few more of your secrets."

She looked at me then him and kept her mouth tight, until.

"Don't you dare tell anyone Nicky."

"I won't May but it's hard to reign your brother and nephew in."

"Right that is it." She got up and with Mason she walked into the busy shop.

"I am pregnant and I am having a girl, her name is yet to be decided between Jason and me, so no gossiping." The clapping started and May went into the back probably to ring Jason.

"What was that all about?" March asked me. I shrugged and said.

"Don't know March, but she is having a girl." I started laughing.

"I told you that on Saturday."

"I know you did, I just wanted confirmation. We had better start buying pink things baby."

His plate of curry was big, where he puts it is beyond me, and dad is getting as bad as him.

Around three-thirty, I spied Cory in the party shop so I went to get the wheelchair and parked it out the front of the shop.

"Come on sunshine, practice to do."

"In a minute Nicky."

He came out and jumped in the chair.

"Cool ride."

"Are you comfortable?"

"Yes it's very nice."

I started jogging towards the football oval he sat still thank God.

I compensated then sped up when we moved onto the road, and it was easier than I thought it would be. The couple of miles to the oval was smooth and it was good to stretch my muscles again.

Six laps of the ground and I rested.

"That was great Nicky, we are going to win aren't we?"

"Well I am the favorite so I hear, so hopefully we can pull it off. Just keep the water up and we will do fine."

"Dad placed a bet on you yesterday at the hotel so we better win."

"We should, how are things at home lately?"

"Good, mum isn't taking overtime anymore and she is home more and more. The business is doing great for dad and my legs are getting stronger."

"You should keep up with the exercises Cory, I haven't seen you in the gym lately."

"Other things to do." He smiled.

I suppose his dad being back full-time is one of those things.

"Same run tomorrow kiddo," I said as I dropped him back at his after-school job.

The run is in three weeks so hopefully I will be close to my peak by then. I went back to the gym and March was standing in there talking to someone. I wanted to get home to look at what Rose has done with Mason's bedroom, it's cleaning day today and she said she will have his blanket all finished by then.

"March I think I will run home I'm dying to look at his room."

"It's beautiful Nicky, I ducked home and looked while you were out."

"Curtains up?"

"Yes all done, he will love it." He smiled at me. One thing I know about March Stephenson, whenever he smiles at me he's either randy or he's up to something.

"What did you do?" He blushed.

"Nothing Nicky."

"I will hold you to that." I kissed his cheek then I left for home, he can bring Mase.

I had just turned the corner to our street when I heard the horn, it was March he left early also.

The house was spotless as usual, things had been put away the washing done and hung on the line, and Mason's bedroom was a complete success. The curtains and blanket almost matched the animals on the wall, a rocking chair sat next to his cot, and in the corner a stuffed Giraffe, Lion, two sheep, and a bird cage with two live Budgerigars in it. A small zoo for my boy had been created and he couldn't stop squealing. He had run at the Lion and toppled the others in the process then he had to have a sort of ride.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it March, what a wonderful little kid's room, well done."

He straightened up and waited for his pat on the head.

"There is something else, and if you don't like it I will send it back."

"What have you done?" He went out to the back room and came back with a cardboard box in his hands.

"Mase look what daddy Nicky bought for you." He waddled over after struggling to get away from his new friends.

March opened the box and a white hairy head popped out. Bub's screaming got louder as March picked up the little dog and put it on the floor. It licked March then it attacked Mason, who fell over again.

"What have you done to me March Stephenson? the wee, the poo the endless hours of training him."

"Shush Nicky I can do all that, don't forget we had a farm, there were always puppies around. As I said if you don't like him he can go back."

He knows exactly how I felt about the birds and dog, I fell in love with them but I won't get too enthusiastic about it. I picked the pup up and kissed his nose.

"Welcome sunshine, you are a gorgeous little boy aren't you?"

I heard March breathe out heavily.

"What are you going to call him Mase?" I placed the dog back on the floor and he proceeded to lick Mason's face again, his little hands were trying to push him away.

"I think you just named him Sunshine Nicky." March kissed my forehead.

"Not quite right March, how about Sunny?"

"Sounds good to me, here Sunny come here boy." He snapped his fingers and the fluffy white dog sat and looked at him then he went back to licking our boy again.

I took March's hand and led him to the kitchen where I put the coffee on.

"Thank you, I always wanted a puppy when I was younger but we never got one. I love him already March, thank you."

"Good because I can't take him back, because I love him also."

They both came out, the pup ran about everywhere and Mason tried to chase him. March went to get the birds and he hung them on the back porch, they burst into song. I picked Mason up so he could see them and he started laughing. Sunny was like a jack in a box he ran everywhere in the house, even had a wee on my bedroom floor, and as I found out later, one in the bathroom, but I didn't mind. We set up his doggie bed in Mason's room, I questioned him about the health side of things and he told me it was for Mason's protection more than anything.

"Sure it is, but I might mention he doesn't look like an attack dog."

"He is a yapper and anyone that comes on this property he will hear them first and alert us."

"Like the cops."

"Precisely." He kissed me then he wanted to play with Sunny.

I found out later he was a short-haired Maltese, which is good, less grooming for me to do.

"Where did you get him from?"

"Ron, he breeds them. I had to wait for him to be ready otherwise I would have picked him up a few weeks ago."

"He is adorable."

I got down on the floor with Mason and we played with Sunny for ages, the hot tub has been forgotten for now.

After all the excitement died down we sat on the porch and had coffee, Sunny explored the backyard and ended up in the contemplation garden and he suspiciously looked like he was doing a poo. Mason was placed in his high chair and the bird cage was put on the table in front of him, they talked about their day I think.

Naturally, when I went onto the local page March's photos were everywhere even a couple of his new bedroom thanking Rose and Barry for a job well done. I didn't mind except while I was looking at it Rose posted a half dozen photos of her and Sunny playing, at a guess she had picked him up earlier for March.

I read some comments then the barrage of doggie photos appeared, everyone was doing the same thing, posting their pets on the page.

When Sunny came back March placed another bed on the porch with a rug. He snuggled into it and went to sleep I guessed he was exhausted.

The birds chirped and Mase was fully entertained, March had slid over next to me and was playing in my shorts again.

"I suppose you will want the works tonight."

"You got that one right Nicky." he grinned.

He did get the works and so did Mason, Sunny was comfortable in his bed and they talked for a while then they went to sleep. The birds were bought inside and March covered their cage for the night, their tweeting died down as they also went to sleep. March wanted everything tonight I was exhausted by the time he finished up, I rolled over and then I went to sleep myself.

It was the constant licking that woke me, somehow Sunny and Mason had climbed into bed with us during the night. I looked over at March he was grinning.

"How did they get into bed with us?"

"I lifted them onto it, saved me from getting out of bed Nicky, they went back to sleep again in no time.

I had a fur ball next to me and a pink baby cuddled up to March so none of March's warmth tonight. In the morning they were gone except for Mason, so I moved over to him. March had taken Sunny out for his morning wee, he was sitting at the table having coffee when I finally got out of bed. Mason headed for Sunny and I headed for March's lips.

"Did he do any business last night?"

"Yes Nicky one poo and three wee's, I have cleaned it up."

"So how do we do this?" I sat next to him with my coffee.

"If we see him doing anything just tap him on the bottom and put him outside."

"Is that all?"

"That works just fine he will get the idea soon enough."

I got up again because Mason's milk was ready. I tested it and then handed it to him, of course the puppy also wanted some.

"Just give him a bowl of milk Nicky." I did that and placed it on the floor, unfortunately, my son being so generous tried to feed him with the bottle.

"Don't stress Nicky," March picked Mason up and washed the bottle then held him while he drank, I think that was his subtle way of showing me how it's done properly.

"What do we do with him today March?"

"Take him with us, we can place him in Mason's playpen."

"He only has the pool."

"It's in my truck, Ron has lent us one."

"Was he free?"

"No Nicky, business is business and I didn't want Ron to miss out."

"So how much do I owe you"

"Nothing baby,"

I won't go on about it he can pay for the puppy if he wants, I will make it up in other ways, and I did while they played on the bathroom floor I kissed the wall tiles, wink wink.

Work today was quite busy I think the guys are practicing their running because those machines were busy. We set the playpen up, it had a mesh side so he won't escape, we placed some milk and some old pillows in it. The screaming started not long after Mason was put in his ball pool. I moved him and a few balls into the pen. I have never seen so many hunky guys kiss cuddle and play with a small dog, they forgot their workouts just to welcome Sunny. Newspaper was placed in the pen but he managed to pee to the side of it.

I eventually took him and Mason across the road for a coffee, May was the first to grab him and Faith came out to welcome the pup, then mum and Rose.

"Was the house okay Nicky?"

"Perfect Rose, and thank you for picking Sunny up for us."

"My pleasure but it's going to take some time to get the piss out of my back seat."

"I will clean it for you."

"I can do that I have some great stuff for pee smells."

May handed Sunny over to mum because she was eyeing off Mason. Faith laughed.

"How did you go with Cory?' She asked.

"Good, he will slow me down a little but when I get into a rhythm it will be fine."

"Jimmys running also Nicky." She told me.

"Is he good?'

"Oh yes he is a champion runner he has won many awards." She sat up proudly.

"Good, some competition at long last."

"He said your friend Tom has signed up also."

"Has he?'

"That is what he said."

This is not happening Tom is pretty good, and now I will have to run, I can beat him but it's going to take all my concentration. I had better plan out the run a little better when I get the time.

May took bubs out the back and Sunny was handed to me. Mum went back to work and Faith moved over next to me. She started patting the puppy and telling me that the boys disappeared last night, they said they went to see a movie. She was pleased they were getting out and about again. I was wondering if they had met up with someone, well that's their business anyway.

"Good Faith, maybe they will start going to the city clubs for a night out."

"They said they might go sometime soon, I think Tom and Pete are going with them."

"They will see they don't get into any trouble Faith if that is what you are concerned about."

"Just being cautious Nicky, no harm in that."

"You are a true mum Faith, don't ever change."

"I try." She giggled.

As far as I knew Tom and Pete will be moving in a week or so, they have been awol the past few days. I wasn't concerned just curious about what they have been up to.

March came across the road, he has four cars in the workshop today, just minor stuff, and dad had driven his Capri to work, so the guys from the gym were looking at it. He kissed me and took Sunny to cuddle him, the little pup licked his chin.

"Where's Mason?"

"In with May baby."

"More coffee?"

"Yes please, and an egg and bacon roll." Faith got up and went to get our order for us and he sat down.

"I believe Jimmy and Tom are running now," I told him.

"Jimmy can't run I have seen him at the farm he does it all wrong."

"That is interesting because Faith said he was a champion runner."

He laughed then replied.

"She's trying to psych you out."

"Umm."

"Nicky just do what you are trained for and don't take any notice of any gossip, they all are very scared of you even running."

"What if I don't make it March?"

"Then we celebrate anyway, it could have been a different story after last winter. Be happy and run like the wind if you don't win then who cares at least you made a good go at it. Everyone that runs in that race is a winner in my book, win or lose they at least had a go." He smiled.

I looked at him and at the risk of getting some catcalls from the passing shoppers, I deeply kissed him.

The coffee and breakfasts arrived and my fears were gone, if Faith was trying to psych me out she must have her money on Jimmy maybe.

I also thought I might start psyching the others out and tried to form a plan.

I couldn't go anywhere much because of the excitable puppy so I sat at my desk and played games while Mason had his morning nap. I got a surprise visit from Tom, he was just checking in on me.

"How is the moving going?"

"On the weekend Nicky, the ad will go on the local page the following Thursday."

"Good, do you need a hand?"

"No, oh look you have a puppy, awesome."

He picked the little rascal up and started kissing him.

"So have you run the circle yet Nick?"

"Yes the other day, it wasn't what I thought it would be like, my foot gave me trouble."

"Your foot?"

"Yes where I had my toe removed, it started annoying me."

"That's no good Nicky, maybe if you strap it up that might help."

"Tried that but it didn't work, I will run at a slower pace I think, and see how that goes."

"Good luck." He didn't say he was running, but I could see his eyes glint, and he is probably excited inside about my misfortune.

"What are you doing about your stash?"

"It's all gone, the town swallowed it up and we sold the rest to a dealer in the city." He smiled.

"Good, so you will go legit?"

"Yes, we are sick to death of being harassed by the cops."

I did have an answer to that but didn't say anything.

"Where is Pete today?"

He blushed.

"He had a big night so he's resting."

"With Hank and Jimmy?"

"How did you know?"

''Faith said they went to the movies last night so I guessed the rest."

"We want to keep you out of it Nicky, what Pete and those guys do is their business, but he did say he had a great time."

"Has he screwed Hank yet?"

"Don't ask me, ask Pete."

He laughed again and put Sunny down.

"He wants a poo."

"How do you know that?'

"He is sniffing around, it's a sure sign he is looking for somewhere to dump it." I picked puppy up and took him out to the backyard.

Sure enough, he left a small present then he started running around in circles, I told him he was a good boy then I walked back to the gym. Tom left a few minutes later and my imagination got the better of me.

"Can you keep an eye on the children guys I won't be a moment."

I walked into the workshop March was bending over a car and I whispered in his ear.

"I need you to screw me now."

"I'm busy, can't we do that later?"

"Now March Stephenson." I almost screamed then I turned on my heels and walked out to the shed. It didn't take him long to make me feel good again, and of course, Hank was on my mind at the time.

With me fully sated I went back to the gym and he went to work, it was nearly lunchtime so I gathered up my tribe and once again walked across the road.

Sunny had his new collar on and I held the lead, he doesn't know it's for his safety yet, but he will learn fast. I tied him to the chair and went to order the roasts, March won't be too far behind me. Bubs got some veggies and gravy and I sat and fed him. March and dad arrived and I told them I had ordered lunch so dad went inside to check, and grab the coffee. March picked Sunny up and started talking to him while he licked his face. Mason was distracted so he didn't want his food, he ended up on March's lap and the three of them had a great catch-up.

"What's this I hear about your foot giving you trouble, you didn't tell me that on Saturday."

"My God that community page works fast I only told Tom that an hour ago."

"Pete posted that he heard you were in trouble."

"Did he get many comments?"

"Plenty Nicky, what's the matter with your foot?"

I leaned in and said.

"Nothing, I am trying to psych Tom out he is running."

"Is he that good?"

"No March, I always beat him at school, but the rumor will get me better odds when I place my bet."

He started laughing and answered.

"Spoken like a true Stephenson, I had better up mine then."

"I suggest you do, and do not tell anyone."

when dad came back he asked me about my foot and i told him it was giving me trouble.

"I guess I had better up your odds then."

I grinned to myself.

When a very worried Cory asked me at the oval later on I came clean, yes he can keep a secret and he did mention that Tom is another loser in the making.

We placed Sunny in his playpen and Mason was going in to watch the men work, March kissed me and whispered in my ear.

"If you want a repeat performance of this morning Nicky I'm your man." He winked, then took bubs.

There was no repeat performance until I sat on his lap in the tub that night. Mason played in the tent with Sunny and we let fly with the lovemaking.

"And don't think for one minute, I don't know that Pete is screwing Jim and Hank."

"What on earth do you mean by that?"

"Ron saw his car at the river last night, you know where Hank and Jimmy swim."

"Really?"

"Something turned you on today I am guessing Tom had a lot to do with that."

"What a shame you found out, I was trying to keep it to myself."

"You are not very good at it Nicky, even I knew something was up when you were being very energetic in the shed."

"Sorry March but just the thought of them doing it turned me on."

"Me too."

"Goodnight baby." I kissed him and then snuggled in.

"I love you." I threw that in for good measure.

Donations to Nifty are gratefully accepted.