Chapter 78
March Stephenson
Maxieplus.
Three months after the barn dance and just as a cold snap hit the state, Rose Davis was screaming her head off in the birthing unit of our district hospital. The local page had alerted our town that something special was occurring tonight.
At two am Nicholas Davis was born, a healthy little boy with two arms and legs and all his parts in the right places, not my words, Jacks.
He had heard Rose yelling for him and had rushed into her place, as he told us she was sitting at the kitchen table moaning and laughing at the same time.
He was her designated driver, so he got her, and her suitcase into the car and then drove them both to the hospital. He rang March in between holding Rose's hand and telling her to.
"Give it a rest Rosie."
Her labour was intense, bubs took his time but he eventually appeared with a screaming entrance, not his, hers.
Because Mason was fast asleep March said he would go, he was also very excited, I will follow in the morning. He gravel surfed and even though his truck was new, he was gunning it for all it's worth up Main Street, then out onto the highway. I think he is a little excited.
I sat at our kitchen table and looked through my phone. Yes, most of the town was awake and waiting with their breaths held. For some time it had gone quiet and I almost could hear the prayers being sent to Rose and her bubs. Rose was no ordinary citizen of our town, she was a well loved, happy-go-lucky lady who deserved this second chance, and everyone was behind her.
I got the message at two ten am, March was by her side with Jack to witness the birth.
'Wow wow wow wow wow, a boy. Will ring you soon.'
I looked at the page again and yes someone from the hospital had posted.
'A healthy little boy with two arms and legs and all his parts in the right places, 2am'. As I said, that was Jack's posting.
The town relaxed, I could almost feel the tension go away to be replaced with warmth and much love.
I made another coffee because I wouldn't get back to sleep, I was far too excited. I stoked the fire because it was a chilly night, and then I did a congratulations post and read the hundreds of comments that rapidly appeared on the site.
Jack posted a photo of bubs but March's was clearer a few moments later. I didn't know where Ken was, but I did find out later he was away on a training course, but he had been notified. At one stage I could hear a few cars starting up and heading for the next town, that would be the well wishes trying to get a cuddle.
If I knew Rose she would have chucked everyone out to be with her new son. She had a lot to talk to him about, she also had to tell him his full name, which only I knew after discussing it with her one sunny morning as we cleared out a small cottage not far out of town.
"Nicholas Tinker Davis, Tink for short Nicky." She even had his nickname picked out.
I grabbed her and we slow danced, what a wonderful memory of dear Tinker. He had helped her more than anyone had, and she took comfort that Daniel had at lest, someone older to talk to when he needed it.
His house was full of memories and it had taken us almost a week to go through it all. Many personal photos and letters went to the Museum to be preserved for future generations, along with some local and family photos which were very interesting. Jan and Michelle will go through them and maybe get the historical society onto sorting them out into some sort of timeline. The kids from the dig had to go back to Uni, they had found all they could, and so much information had been collected it will keep them busy until the end of the year.
I turned the heater fan up and Sunny came out to keep me company. I worried about 'sheep' but March reassured me that she and 'chooks' would be fine in the cold. The chooks had their nests to keep them warm and 'sheep' had her straw, roof and windbreakers.
I woke up when I heard Mason stirring, it was nearly seven and I had dropped off to sleep at the table. After stretching my back I went to see what he was up to, and to make sure he was well rugged up and dry.
I had another look at the local page, then I shut it down.
Winter was here and our nights were cold, I looked out the back yard but no snow, only some frost and fog, but according to March we won't have any this year. He knows things and I trust his judgement.
The TV was switched on and the sun was trying to poke its nose over the tall trees at the back of the property. Mason was in good spirits and after collecting his many kisses and hugs he went and sat with Sunny to watch some cartoons.
My phone finally rang and an incoherent March babbled down the line.
"Slow down March, tell me again, right from the start."
He started again as I made more coffee, I sat and listened to his mountain of information right down to the birth itself and how amazing it had been.
Rose had locked everyone out when bubs was handed to her and he and Jack along with many others rested, it had been a big morning for them.
I told him Mason had just appeared and I would get him fed and then head for the hospital. He said to pick up some breakfast rolls he didn't like the hospital food.
"Eggs baby?"
"Yes daddy, and toast please," I asked our son when March finally hung up. I rang mum and she had been up since I had, but didn't want to disturb me.
"Wrap Mase up today it's going to be a cold one, I doubt the sun will take the chill out of the air."
"I will mum, are you opening?"
"Yes son the workers will be wanting their breakfast, how many did he order?"
"Two, but I will take some for Jack also."
"I am about to leave, so pick them up on the way through, tell Rose I will be in after lunch."
"I will mum, and will send you some photos."
"See you soon." She hung up.
I fixed Mason's breakfast then made sure he ate most of it, more coffee and a quick shower saw us sitting in the car with the heating on full blast.
His red cheeks were adorable as he sang along with the Wiggles.
I picked up the rolls and placed them near the heater outlet to keep them warm, then drove to the next big town. I dodged a pothole full of water then it was a good road from there on, I must get the council onto that one. I parked, grabbed my son and rolls and then headed for the nursery section. March saw us and moved to hold us.
"I missed you."
"So did we, I sat up but managed an hour's sleep, how are they?"
"Giving orders Nicky, she hasn't shut up and won't let anyone near him."
"Typical Rose, she will settle down soon then maybe we will all get a nurse of the little one."
"I live in hope, he's beautiful Nicky, you are going to love him."
"I know I will." I smiled.
"Did you bring them?"
I handed him the plastic bag and told him there were a few for Jack also.
"Good, I'm starving." I took one for myself then let him take the rest. Mason sat on his knees as he ate, he was telling him that 'sheep' looked a bit cold this morning and Sunny was shivering so he put him in bed with him.
"The house was warm March, I turned the heating up, Sunny's tail was wagging it could have been the cold, but I doubt it."
"And you?"
"I was all rugged up baby, nothing to see here."
I know he worries, last year was the pits, and I had to be extra careful not to get caught out in the cold again.
Joel and Nudge were there along with some local identities like Brenda, Julie and Jan. They were all so excited to see the little man, and after some waiting time, Rose was ready to receive her guests. The argument about who would cuddle him first was won by March Stephenson, then me then Brenda while the others complained. I sat with a very happy mum and she babbled along about his height and weight as tears formed in both of our eyes. Bubs was oblivious to our noises he slept soundly with his eyes firmly shut.
"I can't wait to get him on my own. I am going to lock myself away and just look at him Nicky."
"Good luck with that idea Rose. I doubt you will have a minute of peace."
"If he's anything like his brother was, he will be the perfect baby."
"Well, I hope he is my lovely."
And he was, when Rose took him home the town almost lined the streets. There was a small crowd of neighbours outside her house wanting a look and she sat for a half hour on her porch while folks got their baby fixes. There was a chill in the air so I went inside and turned her heating up and made sure the kettle had been boiled, mum, Faith and May were there with offerings of scones and a wonderful-smelling stew for Rose's lunch. She came in and placed the basket on the table and then she was waited on hand and foot.
"I had to tell them I was tired. I know they mean well but boy are they needy."
I laughed at her way of describing her fellow neighbours.
We hung around for another hour and promises were made from her to call any of us if she needed anything, or another meal, or just a hug.
I reminded her as I left, she has to call either March or me first if she gets into trouble, which never happened.
It was three days later I saw her walking up the street, the sun had broken through and the chilly air had disappeared. Rose's smile was as big as her face as she stopped and talked with the shoppers. When she eventually arrived at the cafe, coffee and cake were ready for her to partake in.
"So you finally finished talking?" I said.
"Yes Nicky. I had so much to tell him." She smiled.
"Has he been good?" May asked.
"Yes May, the perfect angel."
"That's not what I heard from Jack, he said you're up all night with a screaming kid." March stared at her.
"Only the once March Stephenson, I have to feed him you know, and Jack should mind his own business."
"He loves you Rose, he's only concerned."
"I know, he constantly sends Cory or Lena in to see if I need anything. I don't think Jack wants to bond just yet.
"Has Ken been in touch?"
"Yes, he will be home on the weekend and he's very excited."
She covered bubs up because Mason had disturbed his blankets while kissing him before he went off for yet another ride on 'hank'. Mum arrived and uncovered him again but she did tuck him in when she had finished. His eyes were opening and I could see he had the bluest eyes in town, but apparently, most babies have them. When Mason was ready to go to play school Rose said her goodbyes and she walked with us up to the library and then on home. Mason was excited to tell his friends his cousin came to see him, and Louise was miffed Rose didn't call in. March and I went back to work and there were cars everywhere in the shop, dad was under one and March pulled his overalls on, so I went to clean toilets and showers. Just another day in our lives, Nudge was there smiling, he loves his morning workouts. He had been joined by Joel who thought he had better get back into it and maintain that ass Michelle loves.
They grunted away while I sat and did my emails, joined a few members up and restocked the drinks machine.
One email threw me off kilter and I vowed never to tell March I had received it, and prayed it would never happen. Matt Shore had applied for leniency from the courts citing his drug problem had been dealt with, and he was a better person today with counselling and psych help. Our lawyer had sent the request along to us just as a heads-up. I didn't care what happened to him but to cut his sentence so short he would have to have a good argument. I shot off an email and attached it to the report to Pete, asking if he still had any contacts in prison. It was later in the afternoon I received a reply. He will be staying with Rose on the weekend and will try and get some info for me. I was mad at the legal system but had to keep calm for March's benefit, if he knew he would go ballistic.
At lunchtime, he discussed the cars with dad and they were busy because they also talking about getting a third person in to help. March was talking on his phone to someone not long after, and he seemed happy. I will pick Mason up and continue on home today, it will be warmer for him, and I wasn't busy. Winter only brings out the die-hards like Nudge. I fully expected to cut down on the opening times, I can't expect Brenda's son Brian and his mates to sit there when they can be nice and warm back at home.
"Who did you ring?"
"Brenda. She has a nephew who is doing his last year apprenticeship. I can take him on for the remaining term and maybe pay him more money under the counter when he moves here. She is going to talk to him tonight."
"Do you think he will take the job?"
"Last time I spoke to him he seemed interested in coming back to town."
"So you know him"
"Yes Nicky, keep up. Mike is a great kid I have almost known him before he was born. I went to school with his mum and dad."
"I see."
"No you don't see, I put him off because of you."
"Why me?" He went red and dropped his head.
"He's pretty good looking Nicky, I thought you might fall for him."
"Not in this lifetime March Stephenson." He perked up.
"Well, you might change your mind when you see him."
"I might." I grinned then went to pick Mason up.
I bundled Mase and 'Hank' into the car and took the short road back to the house. I had just settled him in front of the TV when March almost burst into the house and pushed me towards the bedroom.
"We forgot something." It's times like this I love. I knew he wouldn't be very far behind me.
It was over in a flash and he had to get back to work, but before he opened the front door he pointed at me.
"Don't forget Mike is here to work, not play."
I saluted him then I went back to the couch to snuggle up to my son and his dog, and I couldn't wait to meet this Mike.
March came back around five, he had containers full of mums roast for us. I made up one for Mason with some chips and gravy, carefully chopping up a small piece of meat, March ate his straight from the container so I joined him.
"He starts in two days, his current boss laid him off last month so he is worried his apprenticeship would be lost."
"Does he know old cars?"
"Not really, but they are easier than the new ones to work on, he will pick it up quickly. The only thing I will worry about is he won't get any training on the new ones."
"He might decide to specialise in them baby, ditch the new for old."
"Brenda said he was very eager to learn about them."
"Good, so all's well then?"
"Yes Nicky, but."
"But what?'
"Don't get too close to him, he's a player.
"I won't March, but I have to be friendly towards him for the garage's sake."
"All right, but just friendly. And don't think for one minute I don't know that you are planning something."
"Like what?"
"Like baking him a welcome cake or something."
"I wouldn't do that March, I always keep it professional." Good idea I will get Faith onto it. As usual, Mason wanted to make sure 'sheep' and 'chook' were fed and warm. March took him down the yard and reassured him that they were okay. I watched them almost run back to the house, my polystyrene snowman burst into light along with the cubby house ones. We had left a few Christmas lights on and the effect was a small wonderland.
Two days later I pulled March into the shed. Mike had started work and he was nothing like his description. He looked a little overweight with shaggy long dark hair, he was almost six feet tall, not my idea of a player or a hunk but I can work with that. All he needed was to lose a pound or two and have a haircut. One thing in his favour was, he had deep dark blue eyes.
I had stared at March for some time after I met him. This shed would be the best place for me to vent and to tell him off.
"Why?"
"Why what Nicky?"
"Why would you tell me he's a hunk, when he isn't,?"
"He is."
"No he's not, and you bloody well know it." He started laughing again.
"Got you there Nicky, remember the embarrassing night at the barn dance?"
"No, it wasn't, it was a great night."
"It was, but you took great steps to make me feel embarrassed."
"Maybe I did, but you loved it."
"It's payback time, so I got ya."
"That's not a payback moment March Stephenson. I'm sure he's a lovely boy. With the free membership to the gym and a few dietary meals from mum, I am certain I can turn him into something well worth looking at."
"Nicky?" He stared at me.
"That's payback March Stephenson, watch and learn my friend." He was onto me within seconds, his lips were so soft.
Mike was a nice kid, he wasn't shy, and he was very eager to learn about the old cars in the workshop. Dad had to go to his hardware shop for something so March had the task of showing him around. They started working on an old sixties Chevrolet pickup truck. Joel is going to restore it, it was a rare barn find, fully imported and probably worth a mint. Mike was asking loads of questions which March answered, my son didn't have play school today so he kept asking me to let him into the workshop.
I eventually did and he was placed in the driver's seat.
"Gas?" He sang out.
"Coming up bubs," Mike yelled grabbed a bucket and pretended to fill it up.
"Oil?"
"Not today bubs, it doesn't need any."
"Oh." He then wanted tyres and a complete engine rebuild.
"Coming up bubs, give us a few weeks will you?"
"Okay."
I could see he was used to being around small kids, I later found out he had two younger siblings.
"Morning tea time Nicky." March banged on my door.
"Coming." There was no one around in the gym and I had been googling weight loss.
When I suggested Mike get a salad roll he almost died laughing and ordered curried sausages. He had the same for lunch and a cake afternoon tea. I have a big job ahead of me, I also found out his mum and dad had found a place to rent in town and were moving here in a week or two.
"Tinker's old place?"
"Yes Rose is an old friend of the family and she agreed to lease it to us."
"It's small but I'm sure you will all cope."
"It's perfect, and for some extra months free rent, dads going to build a lean-to at the back, that will give it three maybe four bedrooms."
"Does he do that sort of thing?"
"Yes Nicky, he works for Nudge, so he's at the housing estate all day. I can help him with the renovation and it won't cost much, Nudge said he will donate some old wood, dad will find the rest."
"So have you always wanted to do mechanics?"
"Yes, I was so worried I wouldn't be able to finish my apprenticeship, but March has fixed that, and I am so grateful." He smiled.
"Any girlfriends?"
"Nicky!" March almost screamed.
"Yes, March?"
"Stop asking personal questions."
"It's okay March, no, not at the moment." He blushed.
"Here's a free token to the gym, if you feel like you're a bit sluggish come in and test the machines out."
"Nicky."
"Is something wrong March?"
"No, have you fed Mason?"
"Not yet give me a minute." Mike picked up bubs and his dish and started feeding him, job done.
I am pleased he's a good kid and not a gym junkie. I would hate to be hanging around the workshop all day watching March watching some spunk leaning over an engine bay.
"We shut up shop at four Mike, you will be paid for the extra hour. It starts to get cold around your feet about then, so go home and get warm."
"Thank you March. I will have to catch the bus outside the supermarket. I don't have a car at the moment."
"A mechanic without a car, that's unheard of," I said.
"Dad takes my car to work, he can drop me off in the mornings but I have to get the bus home. I don't mind he needs it more than me."
I will get Brenda onto rerouting the bus down Main Street, we can't have our Mike walking up the street in this cold weather.
May's was easy, she puts the overhead heaters on so it was relatively cozy under them, and the gym is also heated and so is the workshop. The concrete floor gets a bit cold on your feet, March wears two pairs of thick socks on chilly days. He handed Mike the keys to the spare car, my old one. His face was priceless as he thanked him genuinely.
"It's here for the workers Mike and the clients if they want it. Use it for as long as it takes Mike."
He was smiling when he drove us home, and he did well today. Mason has shows to watch and I had dinner to warm up, there will be no tubs for now. I don't want either March or Mason to catch a chill.
'The word on the streets is he won't even get back into court, his record in jail isn't the best.' Pete finally got back to me. I thanked him and relaxed once more, I did think it was a bit too early to be asking for any favours from the courts.
"Dinners ready, do you want to eat?"
"Of course I do."
"Good curried sausages it is."
I placed the plate in front of him and Mason will have egg and chips tonight. We watched the backyard from the table and I asked once more if it would snow. He told me once again it would be a mild winter this year, but I didn't believe him. It was cold tonight, and when Mase was put to bed we snuggled up on the sofa and watched TV. He was warming me up with his breath and naked body, his way of protecting me. I was warm because the wood heater was on full blast. It is being used more and more now. I had better start working out what to cook on top of it.
We didn't go to bed we slept on the big sofa all night. I did check on Mase he was sound asleep and warm. Then I slipped in beside March.
"Nicky, is he the right fit for the garage?"
"Yes, he's a great kid."
"Just asking." he pulled me in closer and we nodded off.
He's perfect, less competition for me.
In the morning Sunny wanted to be let out, it didn't take him long to do his business and he was scratching at the back door after I had turned the coffee on. Mason came looking and when he spied March under the covers he crawled in with him, remote and all, so the cartoons begin.
I made sure he was dry then went back to sorting breakfast out.
Later on, he didn't want to go and collect the eggs, so March did it, and very quickly I might add. It was a bitter day outside, and I did think twice about going to work.
"I might stay home today March, the gym looks after itself."
"If you want Nicky, but I will miss you."
I placed the heated-up sausages and toast in front of him.
"Maybe I won't then, I want to work on the water tower."
"I thought the council was doing that?"
"Yes, but I need to research what kind of shop or display we put into it."
"The obvious answer is to place it all in the Information centres hands."
"They won't move out there."
"They don't have to, they can put their maps and local site pamphlets in it. The museum can do the same."
"I wanted to do some sort of shop."
"You don't have the time."
"But I got nothing to do."
"Then find something, how about you go and sit with Rosie."
"I might do that, Mason has play school."
"Good, now get off my back." He answered and I laughed, then said.
"Getting on your back would be a pleasure March."
"Ain't going to happen, not yet anyway." I put on my sad face.
The topic comes up occasionally but March Stephenson isn't ready to be broken in, just yet. Eventually, he will try it, but I doubt he will love it.
Mike was there when we pulled up, and dad had already opened and put the heating on. He thanked March for the lend car again and then he played with Mason for a bit.
"Come on dad, Mike, Nicky, breakfast."
We followed him across the road, May put the heaters on and in no time it was once again nice and cozy.
"You sure do eat a lot." Mike said.
"You are not under any obligation to eat Mike, dad has his breakfast here because mum is always setting up early. March has breakfast at home then here. What can I say, he loves mums cooking." I looked him up and down.
"I don't have breakfast." He replied.
"It's the most important meal of the day Mike."
"Good then I will have two burgers."
"Grab two for me while you're there." March sang out.
I went with him and got dad and I some.
Mason was excited to be going to play school, and I will call into Rose's place
to see if she needed a hand, and to see baby Nicholas. I wanted to discuss Tinker's letters and a few diaries with her, we had found them at his house. It's not urgent and I have read them through a few times, just lovers pretending to be mates, but the underlying bonds were easily seen by me.
She is going to get onto the Gay archives in town and donate them. I wanted Jan and Michelle to do something local at the museum, a sort of tribute to the local gay community that has always been around here.
We hadn't told Jan or Michelle what we found in his home just handed over the old papers and photos, and anyway, the gravestone says it all.
I dropped Mase off and he immediately started talking about Mike and how he's helping him fix the cars. Rose's home is in the next street so I walked up there and knocked on her door.
"Nicky, come in you must be frozen stiff."
I could hear a little girl talking in the kitchen. Lily has a day off school today because the heating has broken down again, and she is being looked after by Rose. She gave me many squeeze hugs and a few kisses, then she moved back to Tink's side.
"She's the best babysitter in town Nicky."
"I heard she was, his eyes are open, he's so gorgeous Rose."
"Yes, his eyes aren't quite the right colour but they will change." She smiled.
"We have Mike starting at the garage, do you know his family?"
"Yes Nicky, they moved away for work a couple of years ago, but his dad is now working for Nudge, so I rented the house to them on the prevision they fixed it up a bit."
"So in other words free rent." She smiled.
"Don't make out you have never heard of the local barter system. I believe you are a member."
"Point taken, are you all warm enough?"
"Yes my friend, I have the big heater in the lounge and Jack and Ken keep the wood up. I am introducing my son to camping in there at night."
"How has he been?"
"An angel, a perfect angel." She looked at the crib.
I made us some coffee and mentioned Tinker's letters, she had decided they go to Jan so she could start a gay section. She will make copies of everything for the archives in the city.
"Okay, then you will want a copy of March and my wedding certificate?"
"Why?"
"Because if we are going to do the gay thing we should include everyone."
"Makes sense Nicky, I will talk to Jan about it. March may get a bit funny though."
"Not by the time I explain everything to him." I grinned.
"Good luck with that." She grabbed a bottle that had been warming up and then took little Tink, Lily helped her feed him.
"I didn't want it this way, but my milk has dried up, and he has to be fed."
"The same thing happened with mum, and I turned out okay." She lifted an eyebrow.
"Stop that, I am okay aren't I?"
She laughed as bubs sucked away at his nourishing food.
Lily started looking at her school books.
"You have better start your homework Lily,"
"Not yet, when dad gets home."
"He helps you?" I asked.
"Yes dad knows everything."
I sat while Rose finished up, then little Tink was passed to me for burps, just what I need, a milky back. Mason had given me a few last year.
My phone rang and March is wanting his lunch.
"I will meet you there."
Rose. I will leave Tinker's stuff to you, and I agree the museum should include the gay side of our town."
I said my goodbyes and started walking back to May's cafe.
March, dad and Mike were out the front with May, he almost devoured my face as he kissed me.
"I missed you."
"I missed you too, but I had a great time at Rose's." I knew bloody well he was worried about me, so I changed the subject.
"Is 'sheep' pregnant?"
"Yes Nicky, she will give birth in the spring."
"How did you arrange that?"
"Hank slipped a man sheep in to do the job while we were at work. Ages ago. I told you Nicky, keep up."
"I hope it's twins," I said. He pursed his lips and mum brought out the food.
"How is Rose going?"
"Great, she's got Lily there helping out."
"We need to get more heating into that school, the one they have is so ancient," May said.
"Why are you all staring at me?"
"I thought you might do something councillor."
"Are you incapable of talking to Brenda about it May Atkins, councillor?"
It was then that Mike cracked up laughing.
I cleaned as I did the washing, and I used the dryers it's too cold outside, and the shed will be cold also. I guess the honeymoon is over for the winter.
Mason was ready for pick up and I spoke to Louise about the school's heating, she said it's adequate but certainly not up to date and breaks down a lot. I will work on getting some reversible heating and cooling done. I don't know much about the school, whether it's state-funded or not. She said it's owned by the Government and has always been state-funded, they seem to forget about it, not surprisingly. The high school gets most of the attention, and the state school relies on what is left over. That will have to change, we can't have the little ones staying out of school because the temperature is cold or hot.
Two cars in and none out today. March is busy and while Mason had a nap I researched heating. I will go and talk to Brenda tomorrow.
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