March Stephenson

March Stephenson

Chapter 50

Maxieplus

So today is going to be a big day, my husband was making plans to go and see Louise. He dressed to impress, and he made sure Mason had some going-out clothes on.

As usual, I put my shorts and tank top on, then I smirked at March.

"You will be uncomfortable in your overalls March, why don't you just wear your normal shorts and top?"

"I need to make an impression Nicky, first impressions are necessary."

"Do you know Louise?"

"Yes Nicky, I went to school with her, she's a lovely woman."

"I see, so what was that again about first impressions?"

"It's business Nicky, I need to know that Mason is going to have a good time when he is there, and not a bad time. His education starts today and I want it done right."

"My sources tell me that there are six kiddies in her group and they are all eager to go there, firstly to see her and secondly to see their mates. She reads to them, does hand puppets, and plays music for them to dance to. I can't see him being bored, and you are right about his education, but that started when he came to live with us."

"I meant his school education."

"You mean the school he is going to in a few years?"

"Yes, how he handles himself in the kiddy group will set him up for life."

"No March, you and I are setting him up for life that's our job. Louise is just adding some fun to his childhood."

I have to be very careful with how I handle him today, he could make an absolute fool of himself, and we do not want that.

"I'm scared." He admitted.

"I know, but Mase is a very different little boy than you March, he's more outgoing and eager to meet new friends. He might even invite them here to have afternoon tea or make mud pies in his cubby. The main thing about him going there is firstly to have fun, to play, to interact with other kids he will need those skills at school."

"I want him to have the best Nicky, am I going overboard?" He sat down and now he has confused himself.

"Just a little March, and when we take him there today we will be polite, and

eager to send him on his journey. If we start making boundaries he may never grow. How about you change and get yourself more comfortable? Louise knows us both and she will expect you in your overalls and me in my shorts, let's not disappoint her."

He finished his toast, dropped a crust for Sunny, and then he went and changed.

"He will need a play suit March." He stared at me until he got it then went to get Mase a clean jumpsuit.

At work he still wasn't sure and kept looking through the window at me, all I could do was smile. When it was time to go to the library, which wasn't that big, just a two-roomed country one. He did try to do his hair but it flopped into his eyes anyway, and he had a good talk to Mason while I got his stroller ready.

"I will carry him Nicky, we don't want people to know he's still riding around in a stroller."

"Sure March because no one ever sees us out and about with him in it." He grunted then lifted Mase onto his shoulders.

We walked across the road and left Sunny with May, she wanted to come with us but March insisted it would be just us three today, which earned him a sour look from his sister. He started slowly walking up the street, it was like we were going to a funeral. After greeting many friends as we walked eight doors up, he stopped outside the library and then started breathing heavily.

"Be brave March." I almost fell in a heap laughing.

We walked in and Louise greeted us with a big smile, she had four babies in today and made a big fuss over Mason. She took him and placed him with the others on the floor mat, building blocks flew everywhere as he decided to build something, the chatter amongst the kids was so cute.

"You can pick him up in a couple of hours March, he will be safe with me."

I think March was a little put out because he started telling her what his likes and dislikes were, and then he wanted to show her his change of clothes and where his bottle was kept, he wasn't expecting Mase to start today and it threw him. She placed her hand on his shoulder and said.

"He will be fine here with us March, haven't you got some awesome cars to work on?"

"Yes, but he can't stay today maybe next week he can start."

"March, go back to work, and if there is a problem I will ring you."

"Come on baby say goodbye." I looked at Louise and like me, she was about to burst out laughing. I hugged Mason and told him to be good and we will see him soon. March held him for ages and was nearly going to make a run for it until I took him and placed him back on the floor.

"Come on."

The long walk home was full of questions and several stops because he missed his son already.

May was smiling as she cuddled Sunny and I rolled my eyes, it was like he would never see him again. That long face appeared and Mum came out to see how it all went.

"He's happy mum, he started making a big building with the blocks and was talking to his new mates about oil. The other baby isn't recovering all that well he will have an egg and bacon roll."

"In the warmer Nicky." I went to get a couple and she sat to talk to my husband and if I was into it, I would have slapped his ass a few times.

I watched as he took his phone out, he was going to make a call.

"If you call Louise I will brain you, March Stephenson, enough," I said firmly.

"Sorry."

"So you should be, now eat your roll then go and help dad, he's working his ass off over there you could at least help him."

"I will in a minute, sorry, but Nicky do you think I should call just to see if he is okay?"

"Phone." I snapped my fingers.

"Nicky?"

"Give." I took it out of his hands and placed it in my backpack.

"We will pick him up before lunchtime but I warn you now, he may not want to come with us."

He went quiet, finished his breakfast roll then went to do some work.

"Bloody hopeless," May said.

"Wait until you have to put your bubs into play school, we will see how hopeless both the Stephenson children are." I laughed.

"Nicky Dr Mike is coming up this afternoon if you want to see him."

"Good, I like him."

"I have to run off a few hundred copies of the instruction sheet, can you take Sunny so I can get started on it."

I took my son's puppy and he wanted to lick me as usual, I asked mum where Faith was and she said she was at the restaurant,

"Do you need a hand?"

"No son, I have Rose to help me if I get busy."

"Okay then I have washing to do, I'll see you at lunchtime."

"Is Louise trustworthy?"

"Don't you start mum, one worrier is enough in the family, of course, she is." Once again she smirked. I admit I was worried about Mason he does carry on some when he's annoyed, and is quite happy to watch dad and March work when he's not napping, maybe I should ring Louise.

I did two loads of washing and then I sat to check the emails, nothing much there but some of my clients had paid for membership renewals so I set about adjusting their accounts. I perused the memories page and the town is getting into it, so I uploaded a few more photos. I didn't want to overcrowd the site with everything Stephenson-related. My husband came in and stood in front of the counter, he straightened up and said.

"I'm sorry." I took his phone out of my bag and gave it to him.

"Apology accepted." He left then I rang Louise.

Mason was doing some finger painting and the kids were all having a ball getting to know each other, she told me she had no idea what they were talking about but they were laughing. I thought I had better go and tell March, like put him out of his misery so I hung the washing on the line and went to find him.

"I rang Louise she said Mason was having a ball there were no dramas he is loving it."

"Good I thought he would like being there and it will be good for him to mix with other kids." He smiled, I groaned then said.

"And don't think for one minute she didn't tell me you rang on dads phone March Stephenson, so you already know what I know."

He blushed.

"Morning tea time March," I went to get Sunny and we all walked across the road.

Rose was having her coffee and mum wasn't busy, dad and March had a small cake each and I had a doughnut with Sunny. May sat down and she had a stack of paper in her hand.

"Two hundred instruction sheets,"

"Will that be enough?"

"Yes Nicky, the samples he took the first time flew out the door he was waiting for some results from them before he bought more. He said he can always print more sheets off."

"Well I hope he does well with them, you certainly have."

"I am grateful it works the way it's supposed to."

"The lady you bought the business off did she retire or pass away?"

"Retired Nick, she's living four towns over with her daughter, she wanted to retire so I made her an offer for the whole business, that includes the tea and the other remedies."

"Just checking."

"No you're not, you're trying to get me upset, you think May is stupid."

"Who does?" March joined in.

"Nicky, he's picking on me March."

"Nicky, leave my sister alone please."

"Yes, boss." I lowered my head.

He was more than ready before lunch to go and pick Mason up, the walk to the library was swift and there was no time to talk to town folk on the way. Nothing had changed, he was still sitting on the floor playing with the others. Louise was grinning as March headed his son's way. Two kids had gone and there were the three left.

"Daddy." Mason smiled then he laughed as March picked him up, he started telling him about his playtime.

"I take it he had a good morning," I said to Louise.

"The best time, so now we have to talk about when we can get him again."

"How many days does it open?"

"Just the three days Nicky, Tuesday Wednesday, and Thursday. There are usually a few more kids, but that's not every day. I also wanted to tell you there is no charge, this is run by the council."

"Okay, then we will see you around nine thirty tomorrow."

"What?" March looked at me.

"Three days a week March."

"But I thought one day a week would be enough."

"Keep on dreaming March Stephenson, he has to learn."

"He is learning, he was telling the others about the oil the gas the tires, it looks like you have an apprentice mechanic in the making March." He puffed his chest out.

"This is his first painting I thought you might like it." She handed over a finger painting, it was a mess but March loved it.

"Wow, our son is a fine artist."

I grabbed his backpack and thanked Louise, and then we left. Mason was again on March's shoulders prattling along about what he had done this morning.

He then wrangled his way over to my shoulders and started repeating everything he told March.

I put him down to run the rest of the way because I could see Sunny was getting very excited, he did run to him and the licking and cuddling began again. He chattered to mum, Rose, and May then he wanted something to eat.

"Maybe we had better send some play lunch with him tomorrow."

"He had his milk and a few cookies March."

"That won't see his morning out."

"It does every other day." He was thinking about it, apart from the cake he sometimes gets for morning tea Mason does love his milk and biscuits.

Curried sausages were ordered today and dad and March talked cars. I talked about Dr Mike with May, she said he would be here soon. I enjoyed my lunch and I guess March has run out of steam because we are now onto taking one of them for a run.

"May can you look after Mase for a minute I need to test drive a car. Nicky, with me."

"Yes sir." He looked at me and grinned.

We walked across the road and we got into the red one, it was beautiful and a real muscle car full of shiny chrome and white leather seats, the roof had been lowered to streamline it.

"Ready?"

"Yes, ready." He turned the key and it burst into life, the vibrations went through my body and I swooned at its raw power. Carefully March backed it out through the roller door, and by the time he had turned it towards the road a bunch of guys were standing out the front of the gym with their mouths open and cameras ready.

He revved the engine a few times and then took off down the road, he didn't thrash it, he treated it with kid gloves. Three times he took it around the block stopping once to adjust something he thought it needed. My luxury ride was awesome and made me quite randy in the end. He parked it out front to hand it over to dad, who was taking Rose and mum for a ride.

"Is it okay March?" He grinned then we both headed for the shed.

"We need to get one of those March."

"No, you would have me in here every time I drove it. Believe it or not, your sexual drive is exhausting at the best of times."

"Really? Keep sucking March, less talk."

We dressed and then we went to find our baby. I hugged Dr Mike who had arrived and he shook March's hand while juggling Mason in his arms.

"I will have a drive in that car before I leave."

"And I will gladly take you for one." March grinned.

"I thought you were going to bring your husband with you," May said.

"He is working sadly, but next time. He's Rick Conner's security guard and Conner has a matinee at the casino today, so he has to be there."

"Well, maybe when we go to the city next time we can go to his nightclub and watch him perform," I said.

"I will send you his schedule, you let me know what night and I will book front-row tickets for you. Grant will be there and so will Brent, Conners's husband."

"Cool, that would be so cool. I've never been to a concert before." March got excited.

"Well it's all on me March, so let me know how many guests you will have with you and what date." Before I could protest he started asking me about my arm.

"It's okay now, not one hundred percent but it doesn't bother me at all."

"Good, I can't wait to start a more widespread trial, a lot of my patients will benefit from the tea."

"They will, and it is perfectly safe."

"I take it every day for well-being and I never get sick," March said.

"That's good to hear March, little Mason seems a bit excited today?"

"He had his first day at play school this morning I think he has exhausted himself telling everyone." He took a photo to show Grant then we headed for the garage. March took him around the block a few times, there was no stopping for a quickie because I timed them.

"I have to get one of those," Mike was a goner by the time they got back.

"If I hear of anything going I'll let you know."

"Problem is, Grant will drive it all the time, I will probably just get to look at it." He smiled.

"You have a son also don't you?"

"Yes, he's the light of my life. You guys are so lucky you have this little one they are a joy to have around."

"Well tell him that at two in the morning when he decides to exercise his lungs." I laughed.

He left soon after with a trunk full of Mays tea, she took his check and placed it in her bag, that satisfied look on her face spoke volumes.

By the time we arrived home both March and Mason were drained, they sure did have a big day and I knew I would have two babies to put to bed early.

"I have to appear that I'm worried about our son, Nicky."

"Do you?"

"Yes, otherwise Louise will gossip,"

"Is she a gossip March?"

"I hear stories."

"Good night March."

He threw his leg over me, and humped a few times then I heard his breath soften,

the house was quiet and life was good.

It was the following Tuesday we had to go to the farm, March needed to do the new tractor. He hadn't relaxed fully about Mason's playgroup, he went two days last week, and this week will be the same. Last week's excuse was he needed a hand with tires and oil and this week it was Faiths for lunch. One day very soon he will run out of excuses and his son will have to go for the full three days. We dressed him up a little and he knew he was going to see the horses today because his loudmouth daddy told him. He took his bigger truck and we rode with him, he said it wouldn't take long otherwise I would have bought my car along. Hank was waiting for us by the barn, he looked different and I noticed his jeans had become smaller so his package was on show to everyone.

"You look good Hank, new jeans?"

"Yes Nicky, Tom's idea, he said I have to update myself so I bought these." He chuckled.

"And that is funny why?"

"He said they were too revealing and I have to go and buy a better pair that fit me." He laughed.

"So he won't ask you to update yourself again." I saw his sneaky grin and bub's was fighting to get to him, he had tours to do.

I passed him over and he squealed. Hank looked a lot less stressed as he walked with bub into the barn, the horses poked their heads out of their stalls and again he squealed. A short sit on the back of one mare saw his smiles enlarge and when his daddy took him for two slow laps of the yard he was throwing his legs and arms everywhere.

"So how is it all going Hank?"

"I didn't think I would be this happy again, Tom is perfect for me he treats me well."

"And Jimmy?"

"A boy, Jim was a boy compared to Tom. At least I get an intelligent conversation from him, with Jim it was all sex and to be honest I held him back some. I understand now he was a boy and he does need to live the way he wants to."

"Well, I for one am very happy for you both."

"The funny thing about it is I hear he's loving University and has collected some friends but no one has seen him in the clubs, he settled down and loves the city life. I doubt he will ever come back here again Nicky."

"That's a good thing Hank he has found his purpose in life,"

"Yes I think so, our conversations are much more relaxed now, he rings now and then just to see if I am all right." He smiled.

"So he is concerned for you?"

"I think he's growing up Nicky, his concerns for me were never around when we were together." I took my baby off the back of the horse and he gave the mare a big thank-you kiss.

"Chook?"

"Yes bubs chooks, they are waiting to see you." He collected two eggs and talked to the chickens at length, he even made chook noises.

When we walked into the kitchen he gave the eggs to Faith, who made a

big fuss over them. I kissed her cheek and March gave her a big hug. I hugged Ethan who was sitting at the table, then we all sat down to chat while the roast cooked away in the oven.

"I reckon those jeans would look real good on me Hank, when are you buying the new ones?"

"They won't fit you Ethan, riding around in them has given me quite a few scary moments and a bad rash."

"I see, so my moments would be even scarier."

"Rose, they are talking dirty, where is that woman when you need her?" I yelled and laughed at Faith's red face.

"Come for a walk with me Nicky." She said.

I followed her out the back and she burst out laughing, I guess she didn't want to encourage Hank and Ethan.

"Now, how is it all going?"

"Everyone's happy my friend, Jimmy rings Hank and he said it's like talking to a different person, I think Hanks a little proud of him for pulling it all together."

"Is my son happy?"

"Extremely, he's getting into this new life he has, and as you know he has many friends. No one has seen him at any of the gay clubs."

"Good, it was a very good move on his part then."

"And what you want to ask me is Hank happy?"

I could read her mind, and she nodded yes.

"He's very happy, he and Tom are more than well suited, Jimmy was a boy trying to grow up but Tom is a man and he will treat Hank very well."

"So once again I need not worry?"

"Not at all, things are as they should be, now tell me what are you doing?"

"I am going to work the restaurant for two hours, Mary will still be getting the roasts and to be frank, I am happy just to do the boy's preparations and help set up the tables. To be honest I have missed this very much, working the farmhouse and the veggie barn. Eventually, the boys will hire a manager who will take over my job, so then I will be free again."

"Well done for trying my friend, mum will get along fine and there are plenty of women and men that can do the cafe job so you're not to fret about it. Just take a leaf out of Jimmy's book and do what you want, not what you think others will expect you to do." She was deep in thought then she nodded.

"Help me with the beans?"

"You don't like doing them do you?'

"Not at all and to tell you the truth frozen ones are just as good."

"So why the big performance?"

"You and March, you need to eat well and he told me once his mum always used fresh."

"He will never know."

"Do you believe that?"

"No." We started laughing and once again the stress left her face.

I did the beans and March did the peas, Ethan and Hank bantered a bit and Faith hummed in the kitchen.

Another wonderful day spent with friends and what I deem, family. After coffee March went to look at the new tractor, he came back and grabbed Mason."

"Oil bubs, we need to do oil."

He squealed again and was whisked off by his father.

"Lunch in half an hour son, don't be late," Faith yelled out.

When Hank arrived back he had changed his jeans to more well-suited ones, the bulges had almost disappeared, Ethan hadn't claimed them, and Hank was then ordered to put one of his new shirts on.

"Why?"

"Because we have guests."

Hank looked at me and I winked.

"Oh you mean Nicky and March, why didn't you say so."

He went to wash up and yes, he had a new shirt on, it was very similar to the one I wore to the barn dance black with red embroidery.

Ethan was expecting an argument but when Hank arrived back he slightly smiled and said.

"That's better son."

Of course, it didn't stop there it was a riotous luncheon when the other two boys arrived, then the two daughters. The house was full and March ate well.

Our son was passed around and by the time he got back to me, he buried his head into my armpit and went to sleep. March collected the two dinners that had been made up and we finally said our goodbyes, rather late in the day. He wasn't in the mood to go back to the garage so he rang dad, and then drove us home. I placed Mase into his bed and March fell face down on ours.

"Nicky I feel sick."

"You ate too much March, have a nap."

"I am sick, sleep with me just in case."

"Just in case what March?"

"Just in case I might need some sex."

"Believe me, you're too far gone for all that."

"Oh," Then I heard the snores.

I went out to the back room and made a coffee, then sat on the porch. I read some of the memories page and the local one, but there wasn't anything notable so I leaned back and fell asleep myself.

Sunny woke me up, he had come out through the puppy door to go and do some business. I stretched then went to see if Mase was awake. He was playing quietly in his room by telling the horses on his wall what a great time he had with them today.

He lifted his arms because he wanted me to pick him up for a cuddle. I walked back into the family room and we sat on the couch to talk.

March waddled out, he looked like he had a hangover, he made us both a coffee and then sat with us.

"Nicky, I felt so sick."

"Because you eat too much March, one day very soon it will all catch up with you. March you have to start eating properly, what you had for lunch today was enough to feed three people."

"But I love my food."

"You pig out on it, I doubt whether you even taste it, you hog it down so fast."

"I'm sorry Nicky, but it's been a long time since I ate so well."

"I know, but Faith and Mum aren't going anywhere, they will be around for a long time. Don't worry baby, even if you get tubby I will still love you."

He groaned and now he's thinking about it.

"Come on bubs tub time."

"Yehhh!" Mase yelled.

"Can I come Nicky?"

"Do you even have to ask March?"

"Well, I'm, it's just that, well what you said."

"It hasn't happened yet March, and where I am, you are, so drop the shorts and come with me big boy, sorry, handsome."

I undressed Mase and dropped my clothes then followed my husband outside, he got in and I passed Mase over to him, then moved into the tub. I could tell he was trying to hold his tummy in, not that there was much of it.

"You wont leave me will you?"

"Why in hell would I leave you?"

"If I get tubby."

"Of course not, but you could try eating better and then you would avoid all these silly questions."

"I try Nicky."

"I know you do, and you have also fallen for that trap now you are married you don't have to look after yourself, soon you won't be even looking after your hygiene because you know you can get a little lazy now."

"But I do look after myself, I even exercise in the gym every other day."

"I know, and you look awesome for it, I'm just talking about the amount of food you stash away inside, it's not good for you to look after your outside and not your inside."

"Mum's cooking was so good, May and I used to race to get the best bits."

"There's your problem March. I had a friend at school who was tubby he had four siblings. He used to tell me they almost cleared the table of food when it came to eating because there wasn't enough, so they competed to see how much they could put away. You don't have to do that baby, there's plenty of food around you. Just eat sensibly and there won't be any problems in the future, that's all I ask." He bounced Mason up and down then he swished him back and forth to his delight then he placed him in his spa seat.

His arm went around my shoulders and he whispered.

"I am sorry, I have neglected my diet because I am really into you, and I like your attention when I eat. I know you are looking at me and I like that."

"So some of it is my fault?"

"Some, I like to hear you laugh Nicky, you warm my insides and I guess I am just teasing you by being a little dumb."

"I know you do March, I love you like that but, please look after your insides I don't want Mason to grow up without his daddy."

He pulled me in for a big kiss, and his hands were everywhere so I threw my leg over him and sat in his lap.

"Now big boy it's over to you." He was smiling broadly when he finished and I felt quite guilty telling him off, how the hell could I ever live without him, he makes me feel so good.

I asked him if he wanted dinner he said no because he still felt a bit off, so I fixed something for Mason and he fed him on the couch. I noticed in the morning that one of Faith's roasts had been opened and some food had been devoured, I suppose he got peckish during the night.

That was the last time I spoke to him about putting on weight, what will be, will be, but I am sure he took notice of what I said.

I had another look at his family photos the next day and his dad was like him, lean and fit so there is hope that the Stephenson genes will come into play also. Matt did the same thing to me, he was always onto me about what I ate, my image, and all that.

The following morning I mentioned school to him, and he put on his sad face but to our surprise, Mason had heard me and went crazy happy in the living room, he ran around in circles and then went to his room to gather up some toys to take.

"Bubs you don't need all of them, Miss Louise has a lot of toys."

"No, share."

I looked at March and lifted my eyebrow, he snickered into his oats.

It was like he was counting down the hours as he stood and stared at me.

"In one hour baby, then we can go."

"Not!"

"Yes, one hour."

"Not, now!"

"Come on, we can go and sit with Aunty May for a minute." I took him and his bag of toys across the road. After greeting May for the second time today Mason fell into her arms.

I got a school, share, go now, take Mason, the begging had begun and then the tears.

I sent March a message and he dashed across the road.

"Daddy, school, now?"

"In a minute."

"He's been badgering me all morning, can we just take him early there wont be any kids there but he can look through some books."

"Come on bubs, let's go."

"Yeah!!"

I guess he's bored with us now, and as we walked up the street with him I could hear May laughing, and I took great pleasure in thinking she would get the same treatment in a few year's time.

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