Chapter 80
March Stephenson
Maxieplus.
As the days went by dad and Mike seemed to be always in talks, they even started making plans for his new place. It took me a while, then I suspected dad was financing the building, not his gran. But I have yet to confirm it. I was a bit miffed, but Mike was the son mum and dad didn't have (the straight one).
"It's not true son, Mike is a lovely boy but no, we aren't financing him," Mum said one fine day out the front of May's. I couldn't help myself and had asked her outright. I did drop the thought when his gran turned up at the garage one day. She wanted to see where he worked and also wanted to meet us. She was so lovely and thanked us all for being so kind to her grandson.
Mike assured us that the building wasn't going to cost him that much, he would be relying on friends to lend a hand, or donate some wood when needed. It wouldn't be as posh as Rose's idea. There was already a small kitchen and toilets at the back, all they needed was a bathroom and the two lofts. Heating will be a problem but Mike told me he would get a big slow burn wood heater and run the hot water through it, the solar hot water will see them through summer. Rose won't miss out because they wanted to live in the cottage while they worked on the new home, so she still gets her extra rooms.
Mike's gran walked across the street with us to meet the people he had been talking about. She had a cup of tea and I found out she was his father's mum, and quite frankly very nice. She stayed with us for an hour and then had to get back home before it started to get cold. I also learned that Mike and his family had been living with her, I bet she's glad of some peace and quiet.
March and I will do something for them, maybe buy the heater. Dad can get them cheap through his business, and the solar panels, the government subsidises.
"She's lovely Mike, did you live with her long?"
"Almost three years Nicky. Dad had work in the next town but I still came here for school, so I know it back to front. Gran loved having us there but it is what it is. I think she's a bit lonely now."
"Why doesn't she sell her home and get a granny flat installed behind the school, the government pays for that too, if she's a senior." He laughed.
"She is but don't tell her, maybe I will go to the council and make some inquiries."
"Or maybe I can call Brenda." I grinned.
"I can ring," May said.
"No. I can do that May."
"March! Nicky's picking on me again."
"Nicky, behave yourself." Mike started laughing once again.
I took my phone up and rang Brenda, smirking at May as I did.
"Mike you have to pick up some paperwork from the council chambers, then your gran applies for, a one, or two-bedroom unit."
"Will she get it?"
"I don't know if she's on a disability pension, yes definitely."
"No, she's still working, but if she sells her property she can buy one."
"Talk to her, and your dad. But look the paperwork over first."
Mike and dad went over to his hardware shop, and March, May, and I sat in the sun.
"How is the other shop going May?" March asked.
"Good March. If this weather keeps up I won't have any problems. The sweet side of it is booming because people are locked inside and need their comfort food." She giggled.
"Good, and where is Jason?"
"At the old wellness centre, the manager left so he has to run it until he finds someone else."
"You should close it down, I think you have enough to do right here." I offered my opinion.
"Don't start Nicky." March nudged me.
I watched a woman with small kids walk up the street and Mason dropped poor 'hank' and ran screaming up the footpath to hug one of the kids. He knew him from play school, they were very old friends, he even let him ride 'hank'. March kept scratching his balls and I knew what that meant. Dad and Mike came back and went into the garage so we walked back to work, we left Mase with them and headed for the shed.
"Do you think Mike has done the right thing March?"
"Yes Nicky, he will have a good investment when it's all done and he paid a bit less than thirty grand for it."
"That's cheap."
"Government property Nicky, they always sell them off cheap they just want them off their books."
"And his jobs secure?"
"Of course it is. I might have to take a pay cut but I don't mind, we can spend more time together. Dad is getting more involved with his shop anyway." He grinned.
"Okay." I smiled back but he looked a bit pensive.
"What aren't you telling me?"
"Nothing Nicky."
"Out with it."
"Mike's dad Lenny, he hates accepting charity that's all."
"Then we go ahead and help Mike, not his dad."
"Yes Nicky, we will do that."
Mason had pulled out one of his electric cars and was servicing it when we arrived back, then he had to talk it for a run around the workshop. He carefully parked it next to his dads truck and that was it. He loved 'hank' more and I was pleased he did, because he tires him out.
Mrs Nudge was in today with Julie and Michelle, they were on the machines doing their workouts and she thanked me for Tinker's letters and photos, Rose had dropped them off yesterday. We talked a bit about the gay side of town but she said she will have a good think about it and will let me know. I quieted Mase down, then he decided he wouldn't mind a nap, so he climbed into the playpen and put his head down.
As I said before, winter is boring, there's so little to do except try to keep warm. Everywhere you go there is a fire or some sort of heating on.
I wasn't checking up on her, but at three I poked my head out of the gym to see if the candy lady was at the crossing. The kids will start to trickle through soon. She was a lovely local lady, and she loved the children. There is limited traffic today and I can't wait for the roundabout to be done that will slow it down even more.
March came in and was talking to Mrs Nudge for a minute, then he sat with me.
"Got nothing to do March?"
"No Nicky. We have cars coming on Thursday, and I think Faith is missing us because Ethan just rang and wanted me to look at his car in a few days. He doesn't want me to, he wants us to come for lunch." He smiled.
"Good, it's been a while since we have seen them."
"I just asked Jan if she could get Nudge to drop off some wood at the school."
"He will do that?"
"Yes, some can go missing from the estate, just enough for two lofts, they will get four bedrooms out of that vast upper space. It's best we get in early so Nudge can start collecting the off cuts."
"Should we run a raffle or something?"
"No. Mike's dad is a very proud stubborn man, anything like that would get him in a spin. Leave it up to Nudge." He winked.
"I think dad is going to donate the wood heater, Mike has some brochures
he's looking at."
"And us?"
"We will have to think about it NIcky. I am looking at second-hand kitchens online. Some of them are almost brand new and up to date."
"Sounds like a winner to me. Do you want to go home soon? Mason will be awake and my feet are starting to get cold."
"Then we go home and get warmer." He grinned.
When we arrived home he ran for the back windows and screamed, 'sheep' was out and about so he wanted his gum boots on so he could play with her.
March was a little fruity and he turned the tub on, the steam rose when he took the cover off, it was nice and warm.
"Do you think we should enclose it and put heating in?"
"No baby, as I said, it's a mild winter. As long as Mason's warm I don't think we will have any problems."
"Good."
"Nicky. Can you tell me how you feel? I can't work you out?"
"How I feel?"
"Yes after last year's horror, how are you feeling this year, are your feet giving you any trouble?"
"They are fine March. I think I am more worried about being cold than anything else."
"I still worry." He dropped his head.
"Don't worry about me I am good, it's done and buried. But I am happy there's no snow, it does get a little muddy around here."
"Then I needn't worry?"
"No. Nothing to worry about he won't get anywhere near us from what I hear." I slipped up and now I have to explain to him what I meant.
"Mason tub time."
"Comings."
He tried to get 'sheep' to come with him but she was happy to walk back to her cosy home and lay down for a bit.
March lifted Mase into the tub, I always get him to do that because I get an extra look at him in the nude.
Mason played with his ducks and I played with March, while he played with me. We dried off and then ran inside, Mase was giggling and March was shivering. That didn't stop him because after he put some warm clothes on he started looking for food.
He got a phone call from Joel, and yes his truck will be ready for pick up tomorrow at lunchtime. Nudge rang and they talked about him ordering some wood and passing it on at wholesale prices.
"He has to finish the cottage first." I overheard.
"Okay. Then I will leave it up to you."
"Nudge is going to shift some men over to the cottage to get it done. The estate is nearly finished, and he's owed several favours."
"So that means a lot of his trades will miss out on work?"
"Probably yes Nicky, but it is what it is, but Nudge is confident work will be coming in around springtime. Something always turns up, and the guys that live here will always pick up the odd jobs."
"I would like to go and have a look at the estate at some stage."
"It isn't pretty, there's no trees or greenery anywhere just dirt."
"So you have been out there?"
"Ye. When I took Mike for a ride in the old truck we passed through it."
"Okay. Dinners ready." He was already sitting at the table, my stew will be hearty and warming tonight. I made up a dish for Mase and he sat in his tent to eat, with Sunny watching on. I know Sunny eats some of Mase's food, sometimes it stains his beard,
When it was time for bed we decided not to sleep on the couch we all should use our own beds again. I made sure Mason's was warm before he went, and ours will be warm because I had bought an electric blanket when dad had them on special. We turn it off when we get into bed, but it does take the chill off the sheets, Mason gets a hot water bottle to cuddle but we have to be careful it's not full of boiling water, just warm. Sunny is still sleeping on his bed so that keeps him cosy also.
Just as I was about to turn the lights off I got a message from Brenda.
'Emergency council meeting tomorrow at noon.'
If it was an emergency it should be at nine in the morning so I deemed it
a non emergency and crawled into bed.
"What was that all about?"
"Brenda reining over us again."
He laughed.
"You are so good to me Nicky."
That was my cue as I made my way down his awesome body to play with his hot spots.
The TV was alive and I walked out to put the coffee on then placed another log on the fire. Mase was rugged up and wet so he moaned when I wiped him down and changed him. I have no idea when we should start potty training him, another question for mum. The sun was coming up and the sky was clear of any grey clouds. I sat and looked through the local page and nothing jumped out at me, it had gone quiet over winter except for a few weather updates and temperature readings. I still wasn't sure about the water tower so I looked at others that had been converted. The nice ones were private homes, but that's not what we wanted. Mason was laughing at a cartoon and March came out with a blanket wrapped around him.
"Why didn't you put the bathrobe on?"
"It's not warm enough."
"Well go stand by the stove and I'll get you a coffee." He did just that and I made him one and then I took it over to him. I felt his forehead but it was normal, so thank God no man flu today.
He then sat with Mase and Sunny. I guess he's not in a sociable mood today.
I showered and dressed then started on breakfast.
He did move over to the table, and I asked him what was wrong.
"Nothing Nicky. I felt a bit funny like I was getting the flu or something. Is my temperature okay?"
"Yes baby, maybe you are coming down with something. Better stay in bed today, or rug up."
"I will go to work, but if it is a sign of something coming I don't want to spread it around."
"Stay home then. Or ring May."
"Why May?"
"She might have the flu and you're feeling it."
"I didn't think of that." He grabbed his phone and rang May.
If she has the flu I am in for a whole lot of moaning for the next few days.
It was confirmed that both Jason and May had the flu.
"Is she going to be okay?"
"I told her to stay away from us for a few days, we don't want it." He laughed.
He eventually showered and dressed and he had decided his feelings had passed, he will go to work.
Mason was more than ready to get there and he sat in his kiddy seat with 'hank' and Sunny. March drove and I enjoyed the sunshine coming through the windows.
"What did Brenda want?"
"Emergency council meeting, at noon."
"Can't be a real emergency, they are usually called immediately."
"I figured that out, maybe she just wants our approval on something."
"Probably, who knows? Maybe she's lonely."
Mike and dad were sitting outside May's when we pulled up and Joel pulled in to get some gas. March served him and I took Mase and his mob over the road. May came out with her tissue box and asked me what was going on with the council. I said I didn't know but I was sure March will know about it after he rings her.
He came over and his mood was back, I ordered his second breakfast and asked him how he felt.
"I'm all right Nicky, just some stupid news that's all."
"And that stupid news is?"
"Can we talk later? I am still trying to get my head around it." He looked sideways at Mike.
"Sure baby." He ate slowly as May tried to get the news out of him, but he wasn't budging. She got up to go inside and was gone for quite some time. March got a message and went into the cafe.
They were both gone for ages so I had to put a stop to it. I rang Joel.
"What news did you give to March when you got your gas?"
"No, he and May have both moved away so I need to know how to handle it before they come back."
I listened to Joel's news, and yes it was stupid. Mike's dad had heard that Nudge is going to renovate the school and help with Rose's cottage. He created a scene and now Nudge doesn't know what to do. I walked into the cafe with two coffees in hand, if I get the flu there will be hell to play. I sat and looked at them both.
"Not very subtle are you?"
"We didn't want Mike to hear us talk."
"I agree, tell me about Mike's dad?"
"We don't know what to do Nicky. Mike can't afford to buy lumber, and Lenny is as stubborn as a mule. We went to school with him and Ellen. When he lost his job, Joel and I both offered him work, but he answered us by moving his family to the next town. I didn't want to say anything in front of Mike. Sorry Nicky."
"That's okay March I rang Joel he clued me in."
"He's upset because he thought Lenny had changed. It was a Jack and Lena situation for a while, they tried everything to get by without any help from their friends. He was offered work and they left, he's a stubborn proud man, what we do for people here is a small thing. Nudge will get cheap lumber he's owed favours all over the hills. Mike is doing the right thing, he wants to live here, and he wants to succeed. We wanted to help him, not Lenny. Well. Lenny too in a roundabout way."
"So the council meeting is about all this?"
"Yes, Brenda is upset, we all are. We love Lenny and Ellen and wanted to help."
"How about we go to this meeting and see what the others can come up with, until then May stay away from us we don't want your germs."
"March!" She almost screamed.
"Suck it up sister, this time Nicky's right."
She moaned and I heard Jason's moans coming from the bedroom.
"Your husband's calling May, don't keep him waiting. And you dear husband, you are ignoring the elephant in the room."
"Who?"
"Mike."
I took his hand and the two coffee mugs out the front while May probably lay on the bed and moaned along with Jase.
Mum lifted her eyebrow and I said I will tell her later.
Mike was playing with Mason who has to get to play school so he can see his little buddy again.
"Family business Mike sorry we took so long."
"You're both at it in your sister's place?"
It only took me a second and I started laughing.
"Not everything is about sex Mike," March said.
"Could have fooled me." He smirked.
March picked his phone up to answer a message.
"Another mini coming in Nicky complete engine upgrade."
"Awesome what kind?" Mike said.
"A sixty five panel van, the owner wants some more grunt added."
"Love those old minis, I believe Lily has one in her backyard."
"A fairy car she calls them."
"Stacey has been to see it a few times."
"Stacey?"
"My younger brother, he knows Lily from a few years ago they went to play school together. Rose put them in touch again."
"Cool, Lily is such a treasure."
"She is, and Stace loves her and her fairy car."
"She loves mine too."
"You have one?"
"Yes. I will bring it in when the roads dry up. I might even give you a drive of it." I smiled.
"Wow, yes please."
"There are rules, you are not to thrash it, and there's twenty more. I will write them down for you." March laughed. We found out they were Mike's favourite car also but he couldn't afford one.
We walked Mason up to the library, the heating was on and Louise was smiling because she had just heard the new classrooms will be fully operational by Monday. The kids won't have to stay away when it's cold outside. I guess they will be happy about that, maybe not.
We left our son with his mates and visited Brenda. She was sitting behind her desk and today I noticed the calendar on her wall was open to the Jones boys page. I had a small giggle, I hope March doesn't notice.
"Now what have you come up with, and how can we help?" I asked her.
"Nothing Nicky, he's such a stubborn man. I have had numerous arguments with him over the years, so he's not going to listen to me."
"Okay." I thought about it, then asked her.
"Any of the others come up with something?"
"Not a word. I feel we will have to let it slide this time but I feel sorry for Michael he's trying so hard to get ahead." I suddenly had an idea.
"Cancel the noon meeting baby, reschedule it for two. Leave this one to me." I stood up and turned her calendar to March and my page.
"That's better. Come on husband the shed is waiting."
He didn't need another invitation and was waiting by the chamber door after I had a giggle with Brenda. I also found out she was Ellen's sister I had wondered how she had slotted into Mike's family.
The shed was cold but the little shed was warm. March moaned about it being too hot and I laughed again. When we went back to work I told him I was going for a drive, he wanted to know where.
"Council business baby, all will be revealed at the two o'clock meeting,"
I drove to the housing estate, and March was right it's nothing but dust. I could see some potential after the homeowners and council start planting trees.
I went to the site manager's office and Nudge was sitting behind his desk looking at plans.
"Hello Nicky, what did I do to deserve a welcomed visit from you? Not another kiss?"
"Council business Mr Nudge, sorry, but I'm all kissed out today."
"Been in that shed again?" He winked.
"Yes." I laughed.
"Lenny, is he on site?" He groaned.
"He's over by the storage yard, the one with that orange hat on." He pointed through the window.
"Right. I will return." I turned on my heels and headed Lenny's way.
"Lenny, Nicky Stephenson." I held my hand out and a Mike look-alike stared back at me. He was fitter than Mike and not bad looking.
"I know who you are. Pleased to meet you at long last, what's up?"
"Your son that's what's up."
"Is he in trouble?" He looked surprised.
"Yes, he's going to buy the old school and wants his family to live in it with him. For some reason, his dads friends want to help him, but his father is blocking any progress he has to realise his dream."
"He can't take charity, Nicky. I have never done it, and he won't be doing it either."
"Why?"
"Because that's the way it is. Look, my friends are awesome people, I am happy they want to help Mike out. But I was brought up differently, never to rely on anyone."
"The message must have been lost over the years, your mum is helping Mike."
"She's a lot different to my late father, he and I are the same."
"So you want Mike to be like him?"
"I want Mike to stand on his own two feet and not rely on people for handouts."
"Is that the way you see it?"
"Yes."
"Mike is a great young man, everyone wants to help him because they like him. He's negotiated a full-time job off March, even if he didn't need him. His apprenticeship is nearly finished. He is slowly finding his place in his town. Thanks to his gran he will buy that school and turn it into a family home. He's looking at the future, and I tell you what. That was the last thing on my mind when I was eighteen."
"He can't take charity."
"You mean you can't take it, and it's not charity. Your friends genuinely want to help Mike get ahead. They have done the same to others around here over the years. Tell me why you don't want him to succeed?"
"I do want him to succeed, that's a priority."
"Then it's his money, his school, and his decision to make. Don't you think?"
"I just don't want him owing money all over the place."
"Nudge gets most of the wood for free and some at wholesale prices, his men will be out of work soon so he wants to help Mike out. It gives the guys something to do. He thinks your kid is amazing, and he reminds him of his days when he first started. He thinks if his men get onto doing that small job for him your family can move in earlier than expected."
"I don't know Nicky, it's all so confusing, why did he want to buy that old place anyway?"
"To give his family a home."
"I could have done that years ago."
"And there is the problem. Maybe your father was wrong, maybe you should have taken up your friend's offers when they wanted you to. Maybe, just maybe Mike is not only realising his dreams, but yours and Ellens also."
He hung his head and was thinking to himself, then he looked up and started to say something but I stopped him.
"There's a council meeting at two, the subject is Mike's schoolhouse. They will vote to help him whether you like it or not. I would like to think he has his father's full support. All your friends will be at that meeting, you are invited to sit in on it, so don't give me an answer now. Just think about it, and if you turn up well and good. If not, then you can stand back and watch your son struggle through life on his own, as I suspect you have already done."
"But Nicky....."
"But nothing he's a great kid, he loves you, so it's time to be a great father."
I walked off, got into my car and drove back to work. Had I said enough, or have I said too much? He has got to know that Joel, Barry and Ron had help, and look at them now. I think Nudge was helped also, why not their mates Lenny and Ellen?
I drove into my parking space and sat there for a minute to collect my thoughts. Lenny or not Mike will be helped.
"How did you go?"
"I don't know March. but I am praying Lenny comes to the meeting."
"He's so stubborn."
"His father has a lot to do with that, there are some people around that I love dearly, but there's also a lot of assholes."
"What do you mean?"
"It's nearly two are you coming?"
"Yes Nicky."
"Come on jump in."
I drove us to the chambers, May was sitting in her car looking like death warmed up.
"Go home, you will not be allowed in May."
"But I want to be here."
"Go home, go to bed and sweat it all out. We will come over and tell you the results."
She started her car and backed out of the parking spot then she drove off.
March and I caught up with Joel and Ron, then all we went into the conference room. Everyone was there except May and Lenny. We found our seats and Brenda welcomed us.
"By now you all know what we are here for, so given the circumstances I will bow out of any voting."
"But this isn't council business, just old friends having a chat," Nudge said.
"True, I guess we don't have to be that formal. I was bowing out because I am Mike's family."
"So am I." We heard a voice coming from the doorway. He turned up what a great surprise.
"Council business Lenny please be quiet and sit up the back."
"Friends meeting, and no dear sister-in-law I won't be sitting this one out." He pulled up a chair and nodded to everyone.
"You can start." He opened his hands.
No one wanted to go first, this was too confronting for everyone, so I raised my hand.
"Yes. Nicky?" Brenda said.
"We all know why we are here, a young local man we have become very fond of is buying the old school. He needs two lofts a kitchen and bathrooms. None of us want to see him living in squalor or freezing to death because of a dream he has. If we all calm down and focus on the one person in this town that needs our help, things will get done. I hope his father is as proud of him as we are."
"Can we vote to go ahead with our original plan?" Brenda said.
"Yes. lady mayoress." Lenny said.
"All in favour of helping Mike out raise your hands."
Every hand on that table was visible, and I mean every hand. I looked at Lenny he had the biggest grin on his face when he said to me.
"That just cost you front page in this year's calendar and maybe a kiss."
"What?" March screamed. I held my hand out to shake his.
"Done, and thank you." I kissed his cheek.
"He's my son and I am so proud of him, maybe dad had it wrong all along. Maybe it was him that was just plain selfish. Either way, I won't let my son go through what I have."
"He was Lenny, and don't think for one minute he never accepted charity. That house was bought and paid for by your mother, with no help from your mean father at all." He stared at Brenda like he was seeing her for the first time.
"You didn't know?" She said.
"He told me he got it through sweat and hard work."
"You're mum bought it, and has worked her fingers to the bone to keep it going. She wants to sell it and move a granny flat in behind the school, and she's tickled pink that Mike at least accepted her "charity"
"I didn't know, my God Mike, what have I done to him, will he ever forgive me?"
"He doesn't know this is all going on, so there's no forgiveness to be had,"
Nudge said.
"Sorry Nudge, you were always the wise one in the group."
"What?" March stood up.
"Settle down Stephenson I said wise, not easy."
"By God I will rip you another one." Lenny started for the door March was behind him. Nothing to see here just some schoolmates horsing around.
"So we all agree we help Mike and in turn his family?"
"Yes, the sooner the better," Joel said.
"What do you know that we don't Joel?" I asked him.
"Nothing, but Lenny runs hot and cold. By the time he gets back home he may have changed his mind, he even might have enjoyed that little kiss." He wiggled his eyebrows. We all cracked up laughing. We found March and Lenny talking in the carpark, while everyone talked to them I sent May a message. I hope I didn't wake her.
When we got back to the garage Mason was asleep in the back of a small minivan and Mike was starting to take the engine out of it.
"Hang on Mike I will help you." March put his overalls on.
"How did the meeting go?"
"What meeting?"
"The one you just had at the council chambers."
"Good Mike, everything is fine," I said.
"Is he going to help me?" Where the hell does he get his information from?
"Of course he is, we were just discussing who was going to coordinate the renovation."
"Good, he always said you all were the best bunch of blokes he has ever known. I am lucky to be a small part of that."
"You're a big part of it Mike, and don't you forget it. Now have you unplugged everything?"
"Yes boss." Mike grinned at me then he leaned over and whispered.
"How was the kiss?"
I started laughing and he just dropped his aunty Brenda right in it, she is the only one with the balls to tell him. I went into the gym and started cleaning up. There were a few guys and ladies in today.
Later when I poked my head through the door, Lenny was there talking to Mike. March was sitting in his little office and Mason was waking up. I grabbed him and March and we headed for home.
"Lock up will you Mike," March shouted.
"Sure thing boss."
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