|
Post by cutter on Jan 2, 2018 9:34:54 GMT -6
As I understand it, colostrum production will continue through a few days at least after birth and milk production will go up considerably after birth due to changing hormone levels. Nursing of children by women not their mother is common in many parts of the world and is not unheard of here. there are conflicting opinions about whether nipple stimulation can induce preterm labor. That was Debbie’s concern about pumping
|
|
|
Post by cutter on Jan 3, 2018 20:33:19 GMT -6
Things just got interesting. Please, enjoy.
Chapter 62
(Todd and Sarah’s new house, The Crow’s Nest, 6 PM)
“Bobby, go on and sit with Kit. Your mind’s not on the work anyway.”
“This has to get done.”
“Well it’s not getting done with your head in the clouds. She’ll only be about ten or fifteen minutes and Morgan will be here with supper soon anyway. Go on, Boy!”
“Thanks, Todd.”
“It kinda’ melts my heart too, and I was a Marine.”
“Sarah had it right when she said you’re a teddy bear with an attitude.”
“Don’t spread that around. Bunny rabbits fear me.”
“That’s because you eat them!”
(...)
“Mind if I sit down?”
“I was hoping you would. What’s bothering you, Darlin’?”
“This. Sitting here with you and Roni while you feed her feels so right to me. Roni’s Erin’s baby, but in about three months, this is going to be Eliza. Eliza is my daughter. (Bobby reaches over and gently strokes Roni’s back while she nurses.) It doesn’t matter where she came from; she’s mine. I don’t want to have to adopt her. I want her to be born with my name. I already love her too much to hide anything from her, so I still want her to know the truth, but I want us to be a honest to God family before God and Man the day she’s born. Nearly everybody thinks I’m the one who got you pregnant anyway; I don’t want the rumor mill around here to have any more to work with than it already does. Anybody who has a problem with me being her Daddy can kiss my ass. I want my wife and my daughter, my family, all honest and legal like, right from the beginning.”
“Bobby, I think Mom and Dad would allow it, but we would still have to convince your Mom and a District Judge.”
“Kitty, I won’t do anything if you don’t want me to, but I want to fight this fight. I’ll wait for both of you if I have to, but I want to do this for you and our daughter, right now. Charlie only did four good things for me in his entire life. He gave me Joey and Tia, that’s two. He threw me out of his house, and he married Mom so I wasn’t born a bastard. I don’t want Eliza born a bastard. I don’t want there to even be any paperwork anywhere that says she ever was. I don’t want you to spend even one minute as a single mother. I don’t ever want there to be a time in her life when I was just ‘Mom’s boyfriend.’ I want it; I want it all, and I want it before my daughter is born.”
“That’s what’s had you so upset all day? This is all because you want to do even more right by me and Eliza? Bobby, I know you’re here for good. If that’s what you want to do, I’ll fight that fight with you. Let’s talk to Mom and Dad tonight, together.”
“When we get done here and get home. We’ll talk to my Mom tomorrow, if Brian and Morgan are agreeable.”
“Roni is finished and asleep. I need to tuck the girls back in and burp her.”
“Give her to me and I’ll burp her. You tend to your girls.”
“You look like you’ve done that before.”
“Erin showed me how. She still seems so tiny.”
“She’s not. She’s a big baby; you’re just a mountain of a man. Even with all that size and muscle, you’re so gentle though. I’ve seen you put those hands to hard, heavy work, and then turn right around and hold me with a touch as light as a feather. Even after all this time, it still sometimes surprises me. Eliza and I are both very blessed women.”
“And I’m twice as blessed by both of you. Grab Roni’s blanket. I’m going to put her down in the playpen with Al. Morgan’s walking up with supper right now. Let’s get something to eat.”
(The family crew sitting on the floor in the living room, eating supper.)
“Why don’t we start a fire in the fireplace? It’d be cozy.”
“Not tonight. Todd didn’t think about it until a little while ago, but he’s going to call a chimney sweep to come check it out and clean it. The last thing we need is to start a fire with the chimney full of a bird’s nest.”
“I could see where that might cause a problem. Oh well, another time. Kit, are we still on for cards tonight?”
“Would you guys mind giving us a raincheck? We need to talk to Mom and Dad.”
“Sounds serious. What’s up?”
“I’m not sure I should say anything right now. I’m sorry guys.”
“It’s ok, Kitty. If we can’t trust them and the boys, we are so far beyond screwed that we can’t even remember screwed anymore. Mark, I don’t want to wait until after Eliza’s born to marry Kit. I don’t want to have to adopt her and I don’t want her to be born without a Dad. I want her to have her whole family from the minute she shows up.”
“Is that all? Geez Kit! You acted like it was some kind of secret! We already knew that!”
“How did you know? Were you eavesdropping?”
“Nobody has to eavesdrop to know that! Bobby, if you worried over her any more, you’d wrap her in bubble wrap! Hell’s Bells! You wouldn’t even let her carry her own food in here for supper! You do everything for her. I keep half expecting you to try to go pee for her!”
“I’m not THAT bad!”
“No Darlin’, you’re worse. You want to wait on me hand and foot. I don’t need that. I need to get a little exercise. I need to do things so I don’t go bat shit crazy from being bored! I know you mean well but listen to the man. I’m not that fragile.”
“I just don’t want you or Eliza getting hurt.”
“Robert, women been carrying babies and doing a lot harder work than I do for thousands of years. They survived it and so will we.”
“Now you went and did it! Stacy’s never used my full name.”
“One more word out of you like that and I will change that right now.”
“OK! OK! Not another word. Guys, I think Brian and Morgan will back you up. I know I’m on your side.”
“So am I.”
“I’m on you guys’ side too.”
“Me too!”
“Darlin’, I think we have a whole lot of support in this.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised. You’ve told me how tight the foster group was. Most all that group is still in this group, but this bunch is even tighter. If you’re right, all we have to worry about is Mom and a judge.”
“I think your Mom might be more agreeable than you think for. As far as a judge, fight fire with fire.”
“Mark, what are you talking about?”
“Bobby, we know a judge too. Have Uncle Brian get in touch with Greg and see if he can help you. Don’t forget this either; we have a children’s social worker in the family. Sarah can back her opinion up with a college degree and real world experience.”
“Sister, I didn’t even think about them! Maybe if we go into the court ready for a fight, we won’t have to fight one.”
“That’s the idea. Make it as easy as you can for the judge to do what you want. The more you show him it’s the right thing to do, the more he’ll want to.”
“Bobby, we’re going to have to plan this. We’re going to have to really do our homework and do this up right. I don’t want any mistakes with this. When we’re done putting our side in front of everybody, we can’t leave them any way to say anything but yes. We’re not talking to Mom and Dad yet. Guys, will you come up for a planning meeting instead of a card game tonight?”
“We can’t come. Mom makes us go to bed at nine.”
“Be right back. (...) Mom said you can come with us and stay up until eleven this one time. She said if you have any trouble tomorrow getting up or at school, she won’t let you do it again. She said if you handle it ok, she and Dad will talk about moving your bedtime to ten.”
“Thanks, Sis!”
“Stace, I guess you didn’t get the memo. I thought sisters were supposed to be a royal pain in the butt.”
“I can go back in and tell Mom you pitched a fit because she wouldn’t let you stay up till midnight.”
“Nope, I like it that you aren’t a pain in the butt.”
(Friday, December 15, The Crow’s Nest, 7 PM)
“That’s got it. You guys have done a ton of work. We wish you’d let us pay you for all you’ve done.”
“Nope! We all talked about it and we wanted to do this for you two. We’ll need a favor sooner or later.”
“And we’ll deliver if we can.”
“So, in the morning, we’ll all be up to your place to help you start moving.”
“What time?”
“Sarah, what time’s breakfast and what are we having?”
“Six o’clock and anything you want.”
“Surprise us.”
“That I can do.”
(Off to the side) “Are you and Kit going to talk to Brian and Morgan tonight?”
“Yeah. I hope you’re right about them.”
“I’m pretty sure. I know both their stories better than you do. Let’s just say they can both appreciate a man wanting to be a good father and husband. Bobby, I don’t think you’ll need it, but good luck, brother.”
“Say a prayer for us.”
“Been doing that ever since you two got together. I’ll say another one before we leave here. I’m hitching a ride over to Stacy’s so you guys can have the house to yourselves. Shoot me a text if you need me to just stay there tonight.”
“It shouldn’t take all night.”
“I hope not either, but plan B is there if you need it. I already talked to Larry and Erin and Anastasia. I have a place to sleep.”
“Wrapped around Stacy, I’ll bet.”
“Can you blame me?”
“No, but how you stand that temper of hers is beyond me.”
“It doesn’t come out very often, and when it does, it keeps me warm. Besides, she’s stood for me with that temper once or twice. Don’t think Kitty doesn’t have one. I know first hand, her right one as a matter of fact, just how hot her temper can be.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Ask her some time. I’m not tellin’. I will say this, don’t piss her off.”
(Walking into the Marshall Kitchen, 9 PM)
“Mom, I know it’s late, but can Bobby and I talk to you and Dad?”
“Now I know why Mark was so determined to go to Stacy’s. Yeah, want to talk in here?”
“That’s fine.”
(At the kitchen table) “What’s on your minds?”
“Brian, I thought I’d be ok with it, but I’m not. If I can, I want to marry Kit before Eliza’s born. I know it’s going to be a royal pain in the ass to get a judge to sign off on it for Kit and I know my Mom may torpedo the whole thing, but I have to try.”
“Can’t say I’m surprised, but what got you to thinking this way?”
“It hit me all at once the first time Kit was nursing Roni. Kit invited me to sit with her. I did and put my arm around her. I don’t even remember doing it, but somewhere along the line, I started rubbing Roni’s back while she was nursing. It just felt so right. When Eliza’s born, I want her to have her Mom and Dad, not her Mom and Mom’s boyfriend. She deserves the truth and I want to give it to her, but I don’t want her to ever be anything but my actual daughter. I don’t want her to be adopted. I don’t even want it to look like Kitty is having to go it alone.”
“Precious, what do you think about this?”
“I don’t have to have this because I know Bobby’s not going anywhere. Bobby needs it though, so I’m on his side. I want to marry him before Eliza’s born if I can. We’ll go somewhere that we don’t have to get a judge’s permission if we have to and there is such a place. Bobby needs his wife and I want to be there for him, as his wife. He needs to be Eliza’s Dad from day one and I can’t help but be proud of him for it. Mom, Dad, we need your help. Please?”
(Brian nods at Morgan) “Precious, we already gave you two our blessing. You still have it. We’ll help you fight this fight, but I’m worried about a couple of things. If we pull this off, you two will both be emancipated when you marry. Neither one of you will have to answer to us or Betty anymore. Will you promise us that you will finish school? Will you still live here so we can help you until Kitty graduates?”
“Mom, we both have to finish school to have any chance to make a good life for Eliza.”
“Guys, our home and family are here. My and Kit’s jobs are here. All of us would be better off if Kit and I stayed right here at least until she graduated. If we live here, Eliza will have her parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins all right here. Being surrounded by that much family as she grows up can only help her. It can only help us. Kitty and I have never raised a daughter before. With all of you around, maybe we can screw up a little less. You guys know so many things I want her to learn that Kit and I just don’t know! Right here is the best place for her and us too. Here is where we will live unless you say different.”
“Talk to your Mom. If she’s on board with this, we’ll work out the details of convincing a judge, together. If she won’t consent for you to get married, you have a choice to make.”
“My choice is made. If she won’t consent, then that judge will just have to ok it for me to marry Kit.”
“Bobby, do what you have to do and Morgan and I will back you, but keep your Mom on your side if you possibly can.”
“I will if there’s any way I can, but this is more important. Since I put that ring on her finger, everything I do is for Kit and Eliza first. They are the people I have to take care of.”
“Bobby, your last name’s different, but you’re a Marshall. Now or later, Brian and I will be proud to call you our son. No matter what happens, it’ll all work out in the end.”
“I guess I best go talk to Mom.”
“Darlin’, wait till tomorrow. I really need you with me tonight. Dad, can Bobby stay with me?”
“You’ve been staying together on the weekends for most of the time since you got engaged, why should this one be any different?”
“Because he’ll be staying here, in your house, in my room.”
“Kitty, married or not, as long as you live here, this is our house, not just mine and Morgan’s. Bobby lives here too. This is as much his home as it is yours or mine or Mark’s or Morgan’s. Bobby, if you want to stay with Kit, you’re welcome.”
“Please Bobby, please stay with me tonight. This is so much all at once. I don’t want to be alone.”
(Bobby, cell phone)
“Hi.”
“Mom, I’m going to stay down at the house with Kit tonight.”
“What are you telling me for?”
“I’m not going to be home tonight and I thought the decent thing to do would be to tell you.”
“The law can say whatever it wants. You’ve grown up and can make your own decisions. I do appreciate you letting me know.”
“Thanks, Mom. See you tomorrow. We need to talk.”
“I thought we might.”
“You do?
“Mother’s intuition. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“Tell Joey and Tia we love them. Would you read with Tia tonight?”
“I will and I will. Go on, son. Get off the phone and tend to your girl.”
“Bye Mom. (Click) I’m here for the night. What do you want to do?”
“Dad, do you mind if we build a fire in the fireplace and just talk for a little while?”
“Go right ahead. I think I’ll settle your Mom into a nice epsom salt bath and wash her hair for her.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet you’re just going to wash her hair. You’re not fooling anybody, Dad. And Mom, don’t bother with the pillow. It doesn’t do that much good.”
“Kitty Elaine Marshall!”
“What? You’re married. You are completely committed to each other. Making love is a perfectly normal and healthy thing for you to do together. I’m happy for both of you that you are so comfortable with each other and trust each other so much that your love making is so obviously powerful and fulfilling for you. I hope it’s as good for me and Bobby when the time comes. Mom, I hope Dad is still making you scream his name when you’re both eighty. I want you both to get every last drop of joy out of this life you can get. If you’re lucky, it’ll be almost half of what you’ve given me. Dad, take Mom and go blow her mind.”
“I never thought our daughter would be telling us to go have sex.”
“I still want that little brother. Now go practice until you get it right.”
“Yes Ma’am!” (Brian picks Morgan up in his arms and carries her, squealing like a little girl, into the bedroom and closes the door.)
“And they call us teenagers!”
“Go start a fire, Darlin’. What would you like to drink?”
“You making yourself a cup of tea?”
“Yup.”
“Make me one too, Please.”
(Kit’s room, 1 AM)
(Sleepily) “Mmm. That feels nice.”
“Mmm Hmm.”
“Kit! What are you doing!”
“Shhh. Just relax and enjoy this.”
“Kit, you have to stop! I won’t be able to stop myself much longer!”
“Bobby, no doubts, no fears, no regrets. They’re all gone. Relax and let me make love to you.”
“Are you sure? You don’t have to do this.”
“I’m sure. I love you, Bobby. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I love you. I want this. From now on, no matter what happens, I’m your wife and your lover. We’ll make it legal when we can, but we’re not waiting anymore.”
|
|
|
Post by 9idrr on Jan 3, 2018 21:59:36 GMT -6
You know, Cutter, you be gettin' pretty damned good at this. Hope you keep it for the rest of this year and a couple of more. I'm sure there's at least that much left in this story, isn't there?
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Jan 4, 2018 14:22:05 GMT -6
You know, Cutter, you be gettin' pretty damned good at this. Hope you keep it for the rest of this year and a couple of more. I'm sure there's at least that much left in this story, isn't there? You're only asking for this year? Someone has to follow Roni and Eliza at least through high school ;-)
|
|
|
Post by cutter on Jan 4, 2018 16:15:11 GMT -6
HEY! Don't forget Al!
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Jan 4, 2018 18:15:29 GMT -6
Eliza is the youngest ;-)
|
|
|
Post by cutter on Jan 4, 2018 19:11:11 GMT -6
For now. Yes, Eliza is the youngest, but Al is the oldest, by six minutes.
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Jan 4, 2018 20:41:23 GMT -6
Knowing how competitive the Marshall clan is, Al will crow about being the oldest until Roni takes him down.
I considered having a boy-girl twin rivalry in one story then decided that carrying that much ego was more work than I wanted ;-)
|
|
|
Post by 9idrr on Jan 4, 2018 20:53:54 GMT -6
You know, Cutter, you be gettin' pretty damned good at this. Hope you keep it for the rest of this year and a couple of more. I'm sure there's at least that much left in this story, isn't there? You're only asking for this year? Someone has to follow Roni and Eliza at least through high school ;-) Listen, sir, you're the one who inspired this thought, so you've only yourself to blame. I think we need to install a site rule that all authors must be prepared to commit to a minimum of 20 year duration of all good stories. No writer is allowed to die without at least a month prior notice to all readers, and must arrange to have an heir with equal or greater skills to continue any stories that are left un-completed at time of said author's death. In the event of SHTF, all authors deemed worthy of consideration shall make a good faith effort to send continuation/resolution of any on-going stories by whatever means necessary (up to and including carrier pigeon) to all interested site members. In the interest of OPSEC, authors may wish to send all hard copies in Morse Code and Pig Latin. Screw waitin' on a second for this motion, all in favor say "aye" at this time. Oh, and I resolve not to kick the bucket 'til I find out how "Manic Mechanic" ends.
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Jan 4, 2018 21:19:45 GMT -6
You're only asking for this year? Someone has to follow Roni and Eliza at least through high school ;-) Listen, sir, you're the one who inspired this thought, so you've only yourself to blame. I think we need to install a site rule that all authors must be prepared to commit to a minimum of 20 year duration of all good stories. No writer is allowed to die without at least a month prior notice to all readers, and must arrange to have an heir with equal or greater skills to continue any stories that are left un-completed at time of said author's death. In the event of SHTF, all authors deemed worthy of consideration shall make a good faith effort to send continuation/resolution of any on-going stories by whatever means necessary (up to and including carrier pigeon) to all interested site members. In the interest of OPSEC, authors may wish to send all hard copies in Morse Code and Pig Latin. Screw waitin' on a second for this motion, all in favor say "aye" at this time. Oh, and I resolve not to kick the bucket 'til I find out how "Manic Mechanic" ends. As I'm approaching being three quarters of a century old, perhaps I *should* end "Just Another Voicemail" before I croak. While I have some very creative heirs (baking, photography), neither is interested in PAW fiction so any such story would not be finished. I have most of Saturday at Trade Day completed (my muse is two days ahead of the story but she did bring 3000+ words today). As I don't yet have the first meetings between Dave and any but Alex, you'll miss that but I have written an epilog that will end the story in less than 500 words. Maybe I should put that up and just copy and paste it to be the very last post when/if I survive to get another chapter finished? I think the above will meet your criteria. To ensure not croaking during any subsequent story, I'll finish said story before posting any chapters - or maybe just go direct to Kindle...
|
|
|
Post by cutter on Jan 4, 2018 22:14:48 GMT -6
9idrr, I'm sorry, but I don't have an heir. He already went home.
|
|
|
Post by cutter on Jan 4, 2018 23:02:03 GMT -6
Chapter 63
(Saturday, December 16, Kit’s bedroom, 5 AM)
“Darlin’ are you ok?”
“I don’t know.”
“Are you upset about last night?”
“You deserve better than that.”
“Better than what! Bobby, I wanted last night to happen. I wanted the man I love to make love to me like I was the only woman in the world. I wasn’t disappointed. Actually, I didn’t say that quite right. You didn’t make love to me last night; you made love with me. Before last night, the only experience I had with sex came from Troy. That day was horrible and terrifying. I knew I was going to die a terrible death. By the grace of God, the guys found me and saved my life. Last night, I didn’t feel like that. Last night, I came alive as you touched me. You held me gently but I could feel it in your touch that you had me and wouldn’t let me go. I didn’t want you to. I wanted to be right where I was last night. Last night was the first time we shared this precious gift, but it won’t be the last. I love you Robert Thomas Jones. When we can, I will wear your ring and carry your name proudly. Bobby, I’m a strong, good woman and you have won me.You earned my love, and you keep on earning it every day.”
“Are you really ok with it?”
“YES! Are you?”
“I just don’t ever want to do you wrong.”
“You never have, not last night, not ever.”
“Then I’m ok with it. As much as I’d like to stay here with you all day, we better get dressed before we get caught.”
“Darlin’, we didn’t do anything wrong. All we did last night was uphold the family tradition. We do have to get dressed though. We have to be over to Todd and Sarah’s soon.”
“Kitty?”
“Hmmm?”
“You are my first. I want you to be my only.”
“I wish you would have been my first, but you will be my last. Come on. We’ve got to get some breakfast in you. You used a lot of energy last night.”
(Saturday, December 16, Crow’s Nest, 4 PM)
“That’s everything. Kit and Sarah even have the kitchen sorted out.”
“It isn’t like it was much. The only furniture we moved in is the bed that Brian and Morgan went in and picked up for you this morning.”
“The rest is getting delivered next week. The foreman’s house came furnished, so the furniture stayed.”
“You didn’t need all of us for this. Why’d you want us here?”
“You wouldn’t let us pay you, so we used today as an excuse to feed you breakfast and lunch.”
“Makes sense to me. What else can we do for you?”
“We’re done. Sorry we took up your whole Saturday. Go try to enjoy the rest of your weekend.”
Ok. We’ll see you later.”
(Marshall homestead, Kitchen, 4:30)
(Mark speaking quietly in Kit’s ear as he hugs her.) “Good luck you two. I hope last night is the first of many for you.”
“How did you know?”
“You’re glowing. You waited a long time. You didn’t need to wait anymore. Kitty, I love you. I love both of you and Eliza. The three of you are right for each other.”
“I love you too, Mark. Thank you for believing in both of us.”
“Believe me, it was my pleasure.”
(---)
(Stacy takes hold of Bobby’s coat with both hands and gently pulls him down to her level) “This is for luck. (She kisses his left cheek.) This is for love. (She kisses his right cheek.) And this is for you. (She lightly brushes his lips.) You have made my sister a very happy woman. I’m glad you’re family. Good luck my friend. We’ll say a prayer for you both when you go up.”
(Bobby takes Stacy in a gentle hug.) “I’m sorry for all the awful things I did to you.”
“You were another man then and it was another life. Lay it down and leave it behind. We started new that day at Boomer’s open house. It’s only gotten better from there. Go talk to your Mom and make your lover, your wife.”
“You know about last night?”
“It’s not hard to see. It was time and past time for you two. Now go.”
(Bobby and Kit walk hand in hand up to his apartment.)
“What do you think Betty’s going to say?”
“From what Bobby told me, I think she’ll be agreeable. One couple down, only three to go.”
“I wonder who’ll be the next ones to give in.”
“I don’t know, but we’re the youngest, so we should be last.”
“That sucks.”
“Beats not being together at all. I wouldn’t have come home if the Air Force hadn’t made me.”
“But we have so damn long to wait!”
“And I hate that, but we’ll get there. If we don’t, we’ll deal with it, just like you said. In all honesty, I doubt we’ll make it to our senior year.”
“Do you think we’ll at least make it until our engagement night?”
“I’ll guarantee that, even if it has to come early. No time to worry about that now. We promised them a prayer. Let’s go in the living room and keep our promise.”
(Bobby’s place, on the enclosed patio)
“Mom, are you sure Joey and Tia will be ok?”
“They’ll be fine. I know now that too much TV is a bad thing, but you’ll learn with Eliza that it has its uses. You two have something to talk to me about.”
“Mom, I need your consent for me to marry Kitty.”
“Why are you in such a hurry all of a sudden?”
“Mom, Charlie wasn’t much but he kept me from being born a bastard. At least as far as everybody else could see, I had a father. I want Eliza to have a father from day one. I don’t want to have to adopt her and I don’t want it to even look like Kit is a single mother. I’ve already committed to them and I want to make it permanent.”
“Charlie married me, and our divorce should be final next month. Son, a wedding doesn’t make a relationship permanent.”
“Are you saying I’m Charlie?”
“You’re a long way from being Charlie. Son, it’s not the ceremony; it’s the couple that make or break a relationship.”
“You aren’t going to give your consent, are you?”
“Bobby, you have my consent, and my blessing. Son, I’m just sad. I just really got you and now I already am going to lose you. I’m just sorry I wasted so much time when I actually had it.”
(Kit takes Betty’s hand across the table.) “Mom, you aren’t losing Bobby. I couldn’t stand that. I told you; I don’t ever want to be the reason Bobby loses his family. Mom, you’re gaining a daughter and a granddaughter. I want you to be a part of our family. Eliza is our daughter and we’ll raise her the way we think is right, but we want you involved. We want your help. We want you to be a part of her life and ours. Mom, we need your help to fight this fight and we want you here with us long after we win it. We probably won’t always live together, but I want Franklin to be our home. Bobby, Eliza, and I can build a good life here. My family is here. You and the kids are here. We belong here, with the people who love us. You and the kids belong in our family and we won’t have it any other way.”
“She’s telling the truth, Mom. We’re all in this together. Together is the way this family works best.”
“So how do we get a judge to grant permission for Kit to marry you?”
“We’re working on it.”
“I’ll find us a place to live as soon as I can so you two can have your home back.”
“Mom, it’s fine. We promised a roof over your heads for as long as you needed it. We don’t break our promises in this family. We can stay in Kit’s room. You’ll get a place when you’re ready, don’t rush it. I would rather you stay here than cut yourself too close and risk falling on your face. Everything will work out just fine whenever it’s good and ready to. Don’t worry.”
“But Brian said this is part of your pay.”
“Brian also said he wants us to live here until Kit graduates. I won’t have to, but I’ll fight that fight too.”
“Alright Son, we’ll stay and see how it goes.”
“Kit, can I read with you tonight?”
“Sure, but didn’t you like reading with your Mommy last night?”
“Uh huh, but I can read with her anytime. I can only read with you when you’re here. I like reading with you too.”
“They missed you two last night. They’ve gotten used to you both being here on the weekends.”
“Bobby, Tia and I are going to go read. Why don’t you see if Joey wants to go with you to feed the animals. He likes doing that with you.”
“I’d like that. Ok with you, Mom?”
“Go on, all of you. Are you two going to spend a little time here after you get back? I’d like that too.”
“Kit, want to spend the night here?”
“Sure, as long as we have enough pillows for the tasmanian devil here.”
“I think we can manage that. Hey Joey! Want to give me a hand feeding the animals?”
“Yeah, Bobby!”
“Let’s get our coats and muck boots on and go at it.”
“Ok!”
“Kit, send your folks a text so they know where you are tonight.”
“I will, Darlin’. Go get the animals fed and we’ll have you guys some hot chocolate ready when you get back in.”
“Can I have some too?”
“You’re going to help me make it while the boys are outside. We’re both going to have some, and Mommy too if she wants it.”
“Kit, have you ever seen me turn down chocolate?”
“Boys, I’d hurry if I were you. If you take too long, there might not be any left.”
“We’re gone!”
(Christmas Eve, Bobby’s apartment, 10 PM)
“...but Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
“We never read that story before, Kit.”
“I know. It’s the Christmas story. It’s special.”
“Why?”
“Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. He’s the Son of God.”
“So how come we get presents?”
“Well, Jesus is back in Heaven now with God, but people gave Him presents on his birthday too. We give presents to remind us of the presents those people gave Jesus.”
“Why?”
“Because they were really special presents and they were worth a lot of money. Nobody ever gave babies expensive presents on the day they were born. Jesus is really special. He’s really important to people and they wanted to show Him just how special He is, so they gave him those presents.”
(yawn) “Why’s Jesus so special?”
“Because He’s the Son of God. He came here from Heaven to save us.”
(Yawn) “H...How?”
“You’re too sleepy to understand tonight, Little Angel. It’s late anyway. You need to go to sleep so Santa can come.”
“We don’t (yawn) got no chimney.”
“Bubby gave him a key so he can get in. It’ll be alright.”
“Did you leave the cookies out for him?”
“Yes I did. Aunt Stacy made them special so Santa will be real happy. (Kit kisses Tia on the forehead) Go to sleep Little Angel. Dream sweet dreams.”
“Ok, Kit. I’m gonna’ dream ‘bout Eliza.”
“How’s Joey?”
“He went out a half hour ago. Let’s be Santa.”
“I wish it could have been more.”
“It’s Christmas. It’s not about the stuff.”
“I know, but she really wanted that bicycle.”
“Joey wanted one too. We could only do so much. It’s Jesus’ birthday and we’re together, that’s what’s important.”
“You’re right and I know that. It’s just I love them so much. I just don’t want them to have a Christmas like Kat and I did when we were in foster care.”
“They already have. They never had a Christmas like this with Charlie. Mom did what she could, but after the beer and the, uh, bars, there never was much left over after the bills were paid. Mom juggled the bills a lot too. Trust me Kit, they’ll be happy. Now let’s get this done so we can get you back home.”
“I feel bad about that.”
“Don’t. You need to spend the first Christmas with your family, with your family. We’ll be down for Christmas lunch. I need to be here for the kids. There’ll be another Christmas for us.”
“I guess there’s still the Christmas campout.”
“I hope I don’t go into labor while we’re there.”
“I doubt it. If we have to wait that long for it, we’ll just wait till after.”
“I hope it isn’t that long. I want to spend another night with you.”
“You will, tomorrow night. I love you, Kitty. Let’s get this done.”
“ok.”
|
|
|
Post by headlesshorseman on Jan 5, 2018 14:57:22 GMT -6
Thank you and thank your muse.
|
|
|
Post by cutter on Jan 5, 2018 19:44:09 GMT -6
Christmas is always fun. Please enjoy.
Chapter 64
(Christmas Morning, Kit’s cell phone ringing, 6 AM)
(Sleepily) “Mmmm, hello?”
“Happy Birthday, my Love.”
(Big stretch) “MMMMHHH! (yawn) Thank you. Merry Christmas. The kids already up?”
“They were up at five and had us up at five oh one. The books you got Tia are a huge hit and so is the sleeping bag you gave Joey. She’s already told me five times to call you up here so you can read with her and Joey is bouncing off the walls wanting to go camping with us next time.”
“Were they upset they didn’t get their bikes?”
“Never said a word. They have both said this is their best Christmas ever.”
“I’m glad they’re happy. I still wish we could have afforded their bikes.”
“It’ll be alright. How has your Christmas been so far?”
“It hasn’t started here yet, but when you called, I was having a very good dream about the two of us.”
“Oh really? And what exactly were we doing in this very good dream?”
“Well, when you woke me up, I was wearing my wedding dress and you were taking me in your arms for our first dance.”
“I think maybe I’d like you to tell me more about this dream, tonight.”
“I don’t think anybody else is up yet. Do you want me to come up?”
“I would love that, but by the time you got up here, everybody else down there would be up and you’d just have to go back. We’ll be down a little later. A few more hours apart isn’t going to kill us.”
“Isn’t going to do us any good either.”
“You act like you miss me.”
“I do, Darlin. I do.”
“I love you, Kit. Call me when y’all are ready for us to head that way. I’m going to help Mom put food in front of Taz and Tigger.”
“PFFT! That’s funny! Kiss everybody for me. I’ll give you yours myself when you get here. Tell Tia to bring ONE of her books and I’ll read with her when y’all come down.”
“Can’t wait. Bye Honey.” (Click)
(Marshall kitchen, 6:30)
“Merry Christmas and happy birthday, Precious. It smells like it always did Christmas morning when Mom was still with us.”
“That’s because I’m making the breakfast she had labeled ‘Christmas Morning’ in her cookbook. Regular coffee is in the thermos and the cajun stuff Mark likes is just finishing in the pot.”
“I haven’t had chicory coffee since before Mom went into the nursing home. How did you know about that?”
“Stacy said Mark likes it so she got me a pound for this morning.”
(Brian kisses Kit on the forehead) “You really are a gift from God. When are Bobby and his family going to come down?”
“He said the kids already have them up and have already opened presents. He and Mama were about to put their breakfast out. He said call him when we’re ready for them.”
“I’ll get Mom and Mark moving so we can get your honey down here for you.”
“Tia would really appreciate that. I have a storytime promise to keep when she gets here.”
“And you’re not looking forward to seeing Bobby at all.”
“I didn’t say that. I just didn’t want to sound too eager.”
“Didn’t seem to bother you the other night. Sounded like you couldn’t get enough of Bobby then.”
(Kit turns beet red) “You knew about that!?! Oh my God! I’m so embarrassed!”
“Apparently, you have a little of your Mom and Aunt Erin in you. You’re not quite as loud though. Kit, we knew it was only a matter of time. You two are engaged and I believe you will build a long and happy life together. Given your past and how Bobby treats you, I’d say the other night was anything but casual. That’s not something either one of you did lightly. Kit, we know you two are building a love to last. I was twenty-three my first time. It was with Morgan on the night we got engaged. She’s the only woman I’ve ever been with. She came from a different upbringing. Her first time, she was sixteen. She regrets her first time. You shouldn’t regret yours.”
“I don’t. We got started early, but I made love with my husband. I can’t really explain how it made me feel, but it was better than I’ve ever felt before. Now all we have to do is convince a judge to let us make that husband part legal.”
“We’ll fight that fight, but not today. I’m going to go get the grinches up.”
(Rubycon office basement, 2 PM)
“Dad, why’d we all get together here?”
“Because this is the only place that can hold all of us comfortably at one time. It was already decorated from the company Christmas party Saturday, so that made it easier too.”
“Dad, you and Mom did way too much for me. I feel bad.”
“Don’t feel bad. Most of the things we gave you are for Eliza. There’s nothing glamourous or exciting about six cases of diapers.”
“Still, you spent so much money!”
“We can’t take it with us and we can’t send it ahead. Kit, it’s likely that Morgan and I will have more children. We’re either going to have them or adopt them. We’ll deal with that when the time comes. Right now, you and Mark stand to inherit everything of ours. That’s this place, our share of the farm, our half of the business, everything. We barely spent pennies, compared to what Rubycon is making right now. It was worth every one.”
“But you did so much more for me than you did Mark!”
“That’s because Mark told me he’d kick my ass into next week if we didn’t. I’m not kidding. He actually said that to me. Look, he really did say that. It was one of those brother to brother things, just to give us an excuse to do it. Tell you what, if you want to know how he really feels, go over there and apologize to him. Go ahead and see what he says.”
“I’ll take your word for it. If that’s what Mark wants me to believe, I’ll never get anything different out of him. Dad, this is the best Christmas I ever had.”
“How about your birthday?”
“Best one of those too, except Kat isn’t here with me.”
“She’s here, we just can’t see her.”
“I know. I can feel her, but it’s just not the same.”
“SISTER, COME OVER HERE!”
“I love you, Dad. Think you could have been a little louder, Sister? What do you want? Oh yeah, Merry Christmas.”
(Stacy snorts a laugh and hands Kit a wrapped box) “Merry Christmas to you too.”
“What’s this?”
“Why does every fool ask that when somebody hands them a present? Open it!”
“OH STACY!”
“You said you lost yours and the one you have now is just plain jane. I know you are trying to help Bobby learn since he got saved. I know how much you like using Morgan’s Bible. I guess I did good.”
“It’s the same Bible Mom has! You had it embossed with my name, and the date Mom and Dad adopted me.”
“I didn’t know the date you got saved and I didn’t think I could ask you without giving away the secret. I thought the first day of your new life was a good second choice.”
(Kit wraps Stacy in a hug.) “It’s perfect, Sister.”
“Kit, let go. You’re crushing me. Thank you. Now, happy birthday.”
“You shouldn’t have done this. It’s too much.”
“I had to. Just open it, but sit down first.”
“Stacy, it’s so pretty!”
“Open the locket.”
(Kit opens the locket. Inside is a picture of her, Kat, and Stacy, arm-in-arm. The inside of the lid is engraved, ‘Sisters Forever.’ Kit clutches the locket to her chest and just bawls.)
“Kit, I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would upset you like this.”
(Kit just reaches out and tugs Stacy down beside her. She wraps her arms around Stacy and buries her face in Stacy’s shoulder. She cries for a long time. When she finally gets ahold of herself.) “Stacy, will you put it on me? My hands are shaking too bad.”
“There you go, Sister. Are you alright?”
“Y...yeah. Where did you get that picture?”
“Micah took it not long after Mark and I came into the foster group. I remembered him taking it and called him. He sent me a copy of the picture. I had Mom scan it and print a copy with the ID photo printer in y’all’s office. She took me to get the locket and chain.”
“That didn’t come from Walmart.”
“Nope, good old Mr. Morris. I’m startin’ to think he’s a mind reader and stocks that store just for this family.”
“That’s where Bobby bought my engagement ring. I wonder if he’ll get my wedding band from there too.”
“Kinda’”
“What do you mean, Kinda’?”
“I’ve already seen your wedding band. I know where it came from.”
“You mean he has it already?”
“Yup.”
“Where?”
“Not tellin’. You’ll just have to wait until he puts it on your finger.”
“You’re the evil sister. Kat would have never done me that way.”
“Yes she would have.”
“Ok, you’re right; she would have.”
“Those were from me, sister to sister. You still have to open your combined present from me and Mark.”
“You all can’t keep doing this! It’s too much!”
“This is a practical gift. You’ll give it away and get it back for years. It’s just these five boxes. These three are from us and those two are from Sam and Sky. They come with strings attached. I’ll tell you after you open them.”
“I didn’t get anything to give them. Y’all shouldn’t have done this!”
“Kitty, will you please shut up and open your gifts so I can take Anastasia off in a corner somewhere and kiss on her neck a little?”
“Dirty old man!”
“Well, dirty young man anyway. Open!”
“Canning jars! Did you know Mom and Dad got me a canner and the Ball Blue Book?”
“Yeah. We coordinated this.”
“So what’s the catch?”
“Sam and Sky want you to keep them in jelly. Sam says grape and strawberry are just fine by him and Sky wants pepper jelly. It seems she developed a taste for it just like Mark said she would. Alan likes the stuff too.”
“I’ll have to get Mom to teach me how to make it first, but I’ll keep them loaded up. What do you guys want me to can for you?”
“Nothing. I want you and Morgan to teach me how next fall.”
“I will if you’ll teach me how to sew.”
“As soon as I get a sewing machine.”
“I think you better look under the tree.”
“Huh?”
“You know, the big, pointy, green thing in the corner with all the lights on it? Go look under it. There’s a box with your name on it.”
“You shouldn’t have!”
“I didn’t, Mama did.”
(Stacy, opening a fairly big box.) “It’s a tabletop sewing machine! ‘To the family’s newest seamstress, may your seams never split and your buttons never pop.’ BETTY!”
“Yes, dear?”
“Thank you, Betty! You didn’t have to do this.”
“I wanted to. It felt good to pass my knowledge down. I’ll teach Tia as she gets older too, now that I know how to be a good mother.”
“You were always a good mother. You just got sidetracked for a while.”
“Betty?”
“Hi Brian! This is the best family Christmas I ever had! Thanks for making us feel like part of the family.”
“Betty, you and your kids are part of the family. (All of the Marshall / Waters clan, plus Bobby, gather around.) We all got together and talked about it. We all want to give you and the kiddos a Christmas present. Merry Christmas. (Brian hands Betty a small box.)
“It’s a key. What did you all do!”
“With Todd and Sarah buying their own place, the foreman’s house on the farm is empty. It’s furnished and has three bedrooms, so you can all have your own room and stop sharing a living room to sleep in. This way, you three have your own place and Bobby, Kit, and Eliza will have their place to themselves.”
“How much is the rent?”
“No deposit and no rent. You’re on your own for cable and phone. We extended the farm wi-fi out to there when Todd moved in, so you’ll have internet if you want it. Betty, this is what family does. We take care of one another.”
“I never really had a family before. I grew up in a group foster home and Charlie was so damn hateful that we never really came together as a family when I was with him. This is...this is...I don’t even know what this is, but I’m thankful. Thank you everybody. Merry Christmas.”
“Betty, you may want to take the kids and go check the place out. I think I saw Santa stop by there last night.”
“Really?”
“Here’s my truck keys. Go check it out. Take Bobby and Kit with you.”
(Betty and the kids new home)
“MOMMY! MY BIKE!”
“Mine too!”
(As Bobby stands with his arm around Kit, smiling.) “You were leading me on the whole time. We’re not supposed to keep secrets from each other.”
“It’s ok for Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries. Are you happy?”
“Are you kidding? Those smiles are priceless. You did good Darlin’.”
“I hoped you’d think so.”
“I always think so. Maybe I can convince you tonight.”
“Maybe I can do better than last time.”
“I don’t know if I can handle better than last time, but I sure want to try.”
“We could always play cards instead.”
“We could, but we won’t. I am going to make a thermos of tea to take up with us. I think I would like to cuddle up with you on the window seat for a while and watch the stars.”
“Turn the lights out. You, me, a blanket, and some tea. Yeah, that sounds just right.”
“You didn’t mention our pajamas.”
“There’s a reason for that. That’s what the blanket’s for. Don’t get too excited. We have a while before we can get to that part.”
“I can wait. Waiting will only make it better. Bobby, will we have more kids than just Eliza?”
“Not before you’re out of high school, but I think probably. Why?”
“I want Eliza to have a brother or sister, or both. Bobby, even if we have more, can we adopt at least one child after we’re both 21 and they’ll let us?”
“I didn’t know that was even open to discussion. Of course we’ll adopt. Mark and Stacy have already decided they are when they turn 21. I want to do that too and I just assumed you did.”
“You know me so well. I’m glad you chose me.”
“I’m glad you took a chance on me. Let’s see what all Santa left here.”
(Window seat in Kit’s room, wrapped together in a blanket, 11 PM)
“I’ve never felt like this before.”
“Neither have I. Kit, put your tea down. I have something for you.”
“Oooh, right here? You don’t want to get in bed first?”
“Not that. That’s later. Merry Christmas and happy birthday.” (Bobby hands Kit a box wrapped half in Christmas paper and half in the cartoon section of the newspaper.)
“HA! This looks like something Daddy would have done! Bobby, I didn’t get you anything.”
“I have the best Christmas present I could ever get. I have you, and tonight, I have you all to myself.”
“Yes you do, for as long as you want. We can sleep in tomorrow. What is this?”
“Stacy was right; everybody does ask that same question. Open it.”
“Bobby! It’s beautiful! I said I wanted a new hairbrush. You got me a brush, comb, and mirror set! Is this real silver?”
“Yes it is.”
“Where did you find it?”
“Let’s just say the Mr. Morris saw a lot of this clan this year.”
“Bobby, it’s beautiful. I love it. The stars will do just fine by themselves. Let’s go to bed.”
|
|
|
Post by headlesshorseman on Jan 5, 2018 21:17:59 GMT -6
THANK YOU!
|
|
|
Post by udwe on Jan 6, 2018 6:26:42 GMT -6
Thank you! Made me cry happy tears.
|
|
|
Post by cutter on Jan 7, 2018 13:46:53 GMT -6
This chapter turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. Please enjoy.
Chapter 65
(Friday, January 5, Marshall homestead, 4:30 PM)
“Everybody ready?”
“Let’s go.”
“Noah, I’m a little scared. Where are we going?”
“Don’t be scared, Tabby. We’re going to our campsite way back on the farm. The guys won’t let anything bad happen to us.”
“What are we going to do all weekend?”
“Don’t know for sure. They said we get to be big kids now. It’ll be fun and we’re together. Mark! Come here!”
“You guys ready to go?”
“Tabby’s not sure she wants to. She’s a little scared.”
“What’s the matter?”
“I never went camping before. It’s really cold too.”
(Stacy slips up behind Noah and whispers in his ear.) “Hold her hand. It’ll make her feel better. Say something to her.”
(Noah holds Tabby’s hand. She looks at him surprised.) “We don’t have to go with them if you don’t want to. We can stay home at Mom and Dad’s.”
“But you really want to go. I don’t know what to do.”
“Tabby, we have a big tent we all sleep in. It has a stove we build a fire in to keep us warm. This is a fun weekend so we aren’t going to be doing much work. We’re going to play games and listen to music and dance and just be together. We might go for walks and maybe see some deer and rabbits and stuff. Stacy and I will go with you to keep you safe and so you don’t get lost. It’s really pretty back there. Like Noah said, it’s ok if y’all stay here, but we’d really like it if you came with us. We really want you two to be big kids with us.”
“You and Stacy will really take care of us?”
(Stay kneels down in front of Tabby and holds her by the shoulders.) “Of course we will! Noah’s my brother and you’re his girlfriend. Uncle Brian’s your fake uncle too. You guys are family. We always take care of our family.”
(Tabby gets a big smile on her face) “Come on, Noah. Let’s go and have some fun!”
“Why don’t you guys ride with us?”
“Ok.”
(Back at the campsite. Tabby and Sherry both look a little lost as everybody else gets busy.)
“Sherry, let’s get our stuff. I’ll help you. Noah, help Tabby with her stuff. Mark’ll tell us where we’re sleeping. Let’s get inside out of the wind.”
(Inside) “Everybody looks like they know what they are supposed to do, Jordan. What do we do?”
“Hey Jordan, Sam and I are bringing in some more firewood. You and Sherry want to get the stove started so we can get it warm in here?”
“Sure, Bobby!”
“I don’t know how to start a fire.”
“I’ll show you. Come on.”
“Hey Noah, you want to get y’all’s beds fixed up?”
“Sure. Where?”
“Those two over there closer to the stove. You four can figure out between you who pairs up with who.”
“Ok.”
“Tabby, Kit said she could use a little help getting the kitchen put together. Would you want to help her?”
“Kit wants me to help!?! You bet!”
(Stacy slips up behind Mark and wraps her arms around him.) “You sure don’t waste any time.”
“I want them to know they belong. I want them to know we want them here and we depend on them. It’s the same thing I did with you and the boys.”
“I know. I just love watching you work. You made sure the girls already know they have a place with us.”
“Yeah, and the faster they learn, the sooner we can depend on them if the time comes we really have to.”
“Always thinking. You manage the chaos and I’m going to go get our bed and Bobby and Kit’s bed ready and our stuff squared away.”
“Thanks, Lover.”
“After the kids go to sleep, I hope so.”
“Count on it.”
(---)
“Like that, Jordan?”
“Yeah, just like that. Put a little more in there and then put these sticks laying up and down over the pile of twigs. That’s good. Here’s the matches. You built it so you light it. Put the match down low in the pile of twigs and hold it there until they start to burn.”
“They caught fire! It’s getting bigger and burning the sticks!”
“Drop the match and pull your hand out. You did it. You built your first fire. Good job! Now, start putting these on one at a time, slow. That’s it. When that gets burning good, we’ll put three or four of these bigger ones in and it’ll start getting warmer in here. You did good.”
(Sherry gives Jordan an excited kiss on the cheek with a huge grin.) “You showed me how. I did it! Show me how to do something else!”
“Easy! Let’s get the fire going good first, then we’ll ask Mark what else needs doing.”
“Hahaha! I built a fire! I got to help!”
“We all work together whatever we’re doing. Get used to it.”
“I like being a big kid!”
“Wait till tomorrow. It gets better.”
(...)
“Hey Kit, who’s your helper?”
“Steph, this is Tabatha. Tabby, this is Stephanie, Billy’s girlfriend.”
“Hi! We’re putting the kitchen together!”
“I see that. I’m done getting me and Billy squared away. What can I do to help you?”
“Light those stoves on low and start putting out food. When the boys get the tables and chairs set up and everybody gets done, we’ve going to have a hungry hoard on our hands.”
“Ok. Hey, this one won’t light. SHIT!”
“GET AWAY FROM IT!” (Stacy runs over and turns the gas valve off to the stove. The flame goes out.)
“Let me take a look at it...Yeah, hand me that piece of wire with the hook on it over there...Damn spider got up in there and built a web. I think that’s got it. Let me have the regulator back.”
“Here, Sam.”
(Sam lights both burners. They burn low, blue, and even.) There you go. We really need more than two fire extinguishers in here. We need at least one just for the kitchen.”
“I’ll say something to Mark for next time. Hey Jordan?”
“Yeah, Stace?”
“Would you bring one of those fire extinguishers over here to the kitchen?”
“On my way.”
“That was scary, Kit but Stacy was really fast!”
“Mark’s taught her a lot. He’s taught all of us a lot and we teach each other what we know. You’ll learn from us and teach us too, if you keep hanging out with us.”
“You mean you want me to come with you guys again!”
“We meant what we told you. You’re a big kid now. You’re part of the crew. We want you with us all the time, as long as what we’re doing is safe for you.”
“You do stuff that isn’t safe?”
“Sometimes. We’ll show you guys tomorrow when it’s daytime. We built a basement for the cabin we’re building for us back here. We were too busy to do what we had to do and watch you guys too, so you younger kids didn’t get to come. We’ll all teach you so that as you get older, you can come too and help watch out for younger kids that come with us just like we do now.”
(Hugging Kit) “I love you, Kit. I’m liking being a big kid!”
“I’m liking you being a big kid. I love you too. You did good helping with the kitchen. What do you want to do now?”
“Can we go help Noah with our beds?”
“Sure. Let’s go.”
“There’s only two beds. Where are Jordan and Sherry gonna’ sleep?”
“Well, all we girls sleep in the same bed as our boyfriends because we like each other and we stay warmer that way. You guys don’t have to do that, but it would be better if two of you shared a bed and covers to stay warmer. You and Noah can share or you can share with Sherry and the boys can share the other bed. Whatever you do, all four of you have to agree. If you can’t, come get me or Stacy or Mark. Ok?”
“Who’s gonna’ keep Joey warm?”
“Joey has a good sleeping bag. If he gets cold, he can get warm with me and Bobby.”
“Ok. I don’t want him to get cold. Why didn’t Tia come?”
“She’s still too young to play with the big kids. She will when she gets older.”
“I’m getting hungry, Noah.”
“Me too. Food ready yet, Kit?”
“Hahaha, come on! Let’s go eat!”
(...)
“Soup’s on! Bobby, you want to do the honors?”
“Thanks Mark. Lord God, thank you that we can be together this weekend. We thank you for our newest members of the crew. Lord, help us to keep them safe and help them grow. We’re glad to have them with us. Please bless this supper for us and lead us in the way you want us to go. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Let’s eat!”
“This is great! Kit, you and Stacy went all out! Fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, gravy, coleslaw, mac and cheese, fried apples; geez, I’m gonna’ gain weight this weekend!”
“Wasn’t just us. Let me introduce you to the rest of the kitchen staff this evening. Jennifer, Steph, get over here! I think you already know Tabatha had a hand in this.”
“I didn’t cook any of this stuff. I don’t know how to cook.”
“You were in here helping, so you get some credit too. If you want to learn, we’ll teach you.”
“Oh yeah!”
“Teach me too?”
“Sure, Sherry. The more the merrier.”
“How come none of the boys cook?”
“They do sometimes. They had other things to do tonight so we could get down to eating and having some fun.”
“I guess me and Sherry should thank them.”
“You did! You helped us get food ready and Sherry built the fire to keep us warm. Everybody did something to get it all done. That’s how we work together. Everybody does a little so nobody has to do a lot and it gets done quicker.”
“I like this working together stuff.”
“So do we. Now why don’t you guys get your boyfriends and get some supper?”
“Ok!”
“Stacy, can I talk to you and Mark for a minute?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“The kids may need a little help with their sleeping arrangements. I don’t know how they’re going to pair up. Tabby got the ‘keep warmer’ idea quick. I don’t know if the girls will pair up with their boys or with each other. Sherry looked a little iffy about bunking with Jordan.”
“Think we ought to get Sam and Sky in on this?”
“Let’s see what happens first, Mark. They’re big kids now, remember? We need to give them a chance to work things out on their own. I bet we don’t have to get involved.”
“I’m game for that, but we have to be careful. As far as I know, all our parents know what goes on between us, but there are a lot of folks who wouldn’t take kindly to our level of freedom and ‘togetherness’.”
“Then they can go screw themselves! This crazy thing we have going on between all of us might be different, but it works! All of us, every single last damn one of us, was broken when we came into this group of misfits. We all had different problems, but we all had big ones. Look around you, Mark! Yeah, all of us still have a few rough spots left, but we’re a family! We’re better than normal! None of us are normal, but we’re all better than that. I dare anybody to do a better job with putting all of us back together than we did with each other! Anybody! By the way, I haven’t told anybody else yet, not even Bobby; but I’ll tell you now. I don’t want to be a professional dancer anymore. I’m going to study to be a rape counselor. I might even try to become a psychiatrist specializing in rape recovery.”
“You’ll be a great one. I wish you didn’t, but you have the experience to know what works. When are you going to tell Bobby and Brian and Morgan?”
“I’m going to tell Bobby tonight. I’ll tell Mom and Dad when we get back.”
“We’ll keep your secret.”
“It won’t be a secret for long, but thank you. Let’s get some food while it’s still hot.”
(Later that evening. There’s a poker game going on, some of the crew are sitting and talking, and the new members playing together.)
“Noah, I wanna’ talk to Kit, ok?”
“Ok. Are you ok?”
“Yeah, I just wanna’ talk to Kit.”
“Ok.”
(Over at the poker game)
“Billy, that’s the third hand in a row! You have to be cheating!”
“Be glad we’re not playing strip poker.”
“You wouldn’t know what to do with it anyway.”
“Want to bet, Kit? He knows exactly what he’s doing!”
“I’ll have to take your word for it, Steph. I already have one of my own.”
“Yeah, but does he know what he’s doing?”
(Kit blushes) “You can’t even imagine!”
“Kit, can I talk to you?”
“Sure Tabby. Guys, deal me out for a while. Let’s go over here where it’s quieter.”
(...)
“What’s wrong, Sweetie?”
“Your belly’s big. Are you gonna’ have a baby?”
“Yes I am.”
“Did Bobby put the baby in you? Cause if he did, he’s bad cause you’re still in school and you’re not married.”
“No Tabby, Bobby didn’t put Eliza in me. He is one of the good guys. He’s going to marry me and he wants to be Eliza’s Daddy.”
“Why’s he going to marry you if he didn’t put Eliza in you?”
“Because he loves me and he loves Eliza. He loves us like your Daddy loves you and your Mom.”
“He must love you a lot! If he didn’t put Eliza in you, who did?”
“Do you remember Troy, the boy I was dating when we met?”
“Uh huh.”
“Troy was bad. He tricked me and took me away, like that man tried to take you away. Dad wasn’t around then like he was for you, so he couldn’t save me like he did you. He didn’t know I was in trouble. Mark, Stacy, Sam, and Skyler did though and they came looking for me. When they found me, Troy had already done awful things to me, but they didn’t let him do anything else to me. They stopped him and saved me, but he’d already put Eliza in me.”
“Where is he now?”
“He’s not here anymore.”
“Did he die?”
“Yes, Sweetie; he died.”
“Good. He can’t be bad to you anymore. Bobby’s nice. He’ll make a good Daddy.”
“I think so too. Are you ok now?”
“Yeah. Are you sad?”
“I was, and scared too. I’m not sad or scared anymore. All these people and Mom and Dad, and Noah’s parents helped me get better. I’m happy now and I’m looking forward to holding little Eliza when she comes out of me.”
“You’re going to be a good Mommy too. I’m going to go play with Noah now.”
“Ok Sweetie. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Caring about me. Did you guys figure out how you are going to sleep?”
“Uh huh.”
“Did all four of you agree to the same thing?”
“Yes Ma’am.”
“Good. Go have fun.”
|
|
|
Post by 9idrr on Jan 7, 2018 14:54:41 GMT -6
More good stuff. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by headlesshorseman on Jan 7, 2018 15:26:18 GMT -6
Thanks, another good chapter.
|
|
|
Post by freebirde on Jan 7, 2018 17:26:32 GMT -6
Something I've said before to others, "Who wants to be normal in THIS world?"
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Jan 7, 2018 17:56:38 GMT -6
Didn't you know? Psychiatrists say that if they ever find a normal person they will cure him ;-)
|
|
|
Post by cutter on Jan 7, 2018 18:36:51 GMT -6
We have heard that, but none of the voices in my head believe it.
|
|
|
Post by udwe on Jan 7, 2018 21:48:26 GMT -6
Your writing is just amazing! Love the story!
|
|
|
Post by papawolf on Jan 8, 2018 4:49:48 GMT -6
I read paw fiction to my kids as bed time stories and have been reading book one of this series to them lately. I have been saving this one for myself though. I check up daily for updates and am thankful for every update. Even without a TEOCAWKI event, yet (Remember they always come in threes). I love the interaction between the characters and I just wish I had been more like them as a kid. Keep up the good work. In the army once I was asked by a Psychiatrist if I was suicidal I told her “I joined the Infantry and ask for combat.” Next she asked if I was homicidal. I told her “I joined the Infantry, so I better be”. She told me I was the sanest person she had ever interviewed. The army is not run by Generals, its run by Psychiatrists.
|
|
|
Post by cutter on Jan 8, 2018 6:26:26 GMT -6
While I have written about them from time to time, civilization ending events have not happened in recorded human history. On the other hand, events that are minor to the human race but major and even life-changing to those involved happen fairly regularly. I have noticed that I have a habit of writing about those smaller events
|
|