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Post by papaof2 on Jan 8, 2018 14:05:54 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 Civilization ending events have occurred and been recorded just not an event with near-immediate global effects. If you had been there to enjoy the running water and heated public baths of the Roman Empire, the fall of that empire was the end of civilization as you and millions of others knew it - a level of civilization that was not to be attained again for centuries. It wasn't a global event, but neither were the other civilizations of that era. Native Americans and most Asians and Africans took little or no note of the loss of Rome. Those primarily affected were on the coasts of the Mediterranean and to the north of it.
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Post by papawolf on Jan 8, 2018 15:52:33 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 I would consider the volcanic eruption of Thera (that might have been Atlantis) that caused the downfall of the Minoan civilization; Mongol horde; Pompeii; the Spanish vs the Incas; or “WW1” that lead to - “Farm Depression of 1920s” that lead to –“the Great Depression” and the “Weimar Republic” that lead to – “WW2”; to be TEOCAWKI events, but 9/11 and the “Dot-com Bubble Pop” of 2001 did a good job of ending my world for over 8 years. I do get your point though and the small stuff is more common.
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Post by cutter on Jan 8, 2018 17:35:14 GMT -6
Let me rephrase. So far as I know a global civilization ending event has not occurred and recorded human history
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Post by freebirde on Jan 9, 2018 6:32:47 GMT -6
Up to now we haven't had a global civilization. Or the means to end it. Or groups that would want end it.
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Post by cutter on Jan 9, 2018 21:47:24 GMT -6
That is true. I suspect that a global civilization ending event is possible for the first time. In the ancient past, there were several civilizations existing in the world simultaneously. While there was some cross cultural contact and trade, the influence of one civilization on another was limited. Empires and cultures rose and fell, but not all at the same time. Even the Roman Empire failed to end the civilizations of ancient Israel, Greece, Medo-Persia, and several others. Those civilizations were changed and influenced, but not obliterated. The Romans fell to the same excesses that the nations of the world suffer today. The difference is that today, we are so interconnected that the fall of any one of a handful of nations could cause a domino effect that would shatter our civilization. Mankind would survive, and build civilization again, but it would be long in coming.
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Post by cutter on Jan 13, 2018 13:41:21 GMT -6
The little kids are on their way to becoming big kids. The big kids are becoming adults and mentors. There's lots of troubles in the world both small and large. The crew and the families are trying to prepare for a rainy day while still not missing the sunshine. Sorry it's been so long between chapters. Please enjoy. Oh yeah, if anybody's keeping track, Eliza's about eight weeks from making her grand entrance.
Chapter 66
(Saturday, January 6, Tent, back forty site, 4 AM)
“I’ll get up and get the gator started. Get Stacy to help you get dressed.”
“Why would we do that?”
“You’re in labor! We have to get you to the hospital before you have the baby!”
“I’m not in labor. Eliza’s kicking and it hurts, so I got up to move around. I’m not having any contractions.”
“But you just woke me up and said you’re in labor.”
“Hehe. I didn’t wake you up. Bobby, you were dreaming. Really, I’m ok.”
“Are you sure?”
(Trying not to laugh) “Yeah, I’m sure. I just need to walk around a little bit so Eliza will calm down. I’ll come back to bed in a little while.”
“I’ll get up with you.”
“There’s no point to that. Go back to sleep, Darlin’. I’ll be fine. (Kit walks quietly around the tent. She goes and checks on the young kids.) Hmpf. I guess they did work it out. They should be warm that way.” (Kit puts three good sized logs in the stove and then goes back to bed.)
“Better?”
“I thought I told you to go back to sleep.”
“You weren’t here and you were having trouble.”
“Well, being as you didn’t listen, check out the kids.”
“What in the world?”
“All five of them under one set of blankets. That’s Joey’s sleeping bag over top of the whole puppy pile. He’s on the left hand side. At least we know they’ll all be warm.”
“There is that. Goofs. Come here. We can’t play, but we can cuddle.”
“I’ll be quiet.”
“Yeah, like that’s ever going to happen. We can wait until tomorrow night.”
“Fine. Dammit.”
“Don’t get too upset. Tomorrow night will be our first time in our own home.”
“We’ve stayed together in your apartment before.”
“Yeah, but we’ve never done that there. (Bobby speaks very quietly, right in Kit’s ear.) Kit, unless Billy and Stephanie have, we are the only ones here that have gone all the way. Jen doesn’t need to hear that, Mark and Stacy don’t need the temptation, and the kids are too young to understand. I think Mark and Stacy are the only ones who know for sure and I’d like to keep it that way. They’ll all expect it after we’re married, but we have to set an example. Mark and Stacy have done more for us than either one of us probably know. If for nobody else, we need to behave so they have something to hold on to. They know we have. If we can behave, they can see that they can too. As good as they have been to us, we need to help them any way we can.”
“Ok Darlin’. Hold me like you’ll never let me go and let’s go back to sleep. I do want to talk to you more about this in private tomorrow.”
“That’s the only way I know how to hold you. We’ll talk tomorrow.” (Bobby wraps his arms around Kit and kisses her on the nape of the neck.)
“I love you too, but if you do that again, all bets are off. I don’t care who’s here.”
(Saturday, January 6, walking the trail to the big clearing, back forty, 10 AM)
“Bobby, what you were saying last night, I knew you thought a lot of Mark and Stacy, but it sounds like you are a lot closer to them than I knew.”
“Kit, I think you’ll agree that I’ve completely turned my life around.”
“You have. You are a totally different person than you were. The transformation is incredible.”
“Yeah, and it started at your sister’s funeral. Mark let me stay that day; he didn’t have to. He didn’t have to give me another chance. He didn’t have to go to bat for me with Boomer. He didn’t have to do any of the things he did. Kit, he didn’t have to put his life on the line for you. Stacy didn’t have to get me out of the lunchroom. She could have left me there and God knows I gave her enough reason. She didn’t have to give me a chance to change her mind about me. I am where I am and have what I have right now because they gave me the chance to earn it. I love them as much as I do Joey and Tia. Anything I can do to make their lives easier or better, I’m going to do. Waiting till we get home to make love to you is nothing. Think about what they’ve done for you. Is there anything you wouldn’t do for them?”
“I wouldn’t turn on God or you. I can’t believe they would ever ask me to do either one. I was disappointed last night, but I’m not complaining. You were right last night. I just got carried away. Bobby, come with me.”
“Where are we going?”
“To the place where my old life ended, and this one began. I have to face my demons and I want you with me.”
“Kit…”
“I can’t do it alone, but I have to do it. Please Bobby, come with me.”
“Do what you have to do. I’m with you.”
(---)
(Elsewhere on the back forty)
“What are these prints in the dirt?”
“Those are deer tracks. See how they are rounded at one end and come to points on the other end?”
“Yeah.”
“This deer was facing this way.”
“How can you tell?”
“Their hooves are rounded in the front and come to points in the back. See those tracks up ahead?”
“Yeah.”
“What do they tell you?”
“That the deer was walking that way, toward the woods?”
“That’s right.”
“So if we want to see them , we follow the tracks to the woods?”
“That’s right, Sherry.”
“That’s not all they tell us, is it Mark?”
“What else does it tell us, Jordan?”
“Where to find dinner if we need to.”
“That’s mean!”
“No Sherry, that’s life. If you are ever lost in the woods and are hungry, a deer will feed you if you can kill it. It’s wrong to hunt for a trophy, but hunting for food to stay alive is good. Deer meat is healthy and will provide you with proteins and calories. If you don’t tear it up when you skin the deer, the hide will keep you warm and dry. I was taught the old ways, like the Indians believed. You don’t hunt just to kill something, you hunt to stay alive. You kill only what you need to provide for yourself and those people you are supposed to take care of. You honor the animals you take by giving thanks for your kill and by not wasting it. You use everything you can from the animal. When Dad hunted, he would process the meat and tan the hides. I have a pair of deerskin boots at home that are too small for me now, but I wore them for about a year before I outgrew them. He would crush up the bones and take the parts we didn’t eat and bury them in our garden to enrich the soil. That fed the plants and made them produce better. He didn’t waste any part of his kills if he could help it.”
“I still wouldn’t want to kill a deer.”
“Would you rather starve to death?”
“No.”
“Then you understand the lesson. I used to hunt and will again, but I like watching animals just as much or more than I like eating them.”
“What else can you find to eat out here?”
“These thorny vines are blackberry bushes.”
“I like blackberries!”
“So do I. They get ripe between July and August. You have to be careful. The thorns are sharp and sometimes snakes hide in the vines to catch birds when they come to eat the blackberries.”
“What else?”
“These little trees are sassafras. You can dig the roots up in the winter and dry them. You make a tea out of them. They are a natural blood thinner though, so you can’t overdo it. You can make tea out of these pine needles too. It’s good for you.
“If you can find water, can you catch fish?”
“Sure. Here look at this.”
“That’s medicine!”
“No, just the bottle. I keep a fishing kit in here, see?”
“You have hooks and sinkers and a couple of corks and everything! You don’t have a fishing pole though.”
“I’d just use a stick or cut one of these sassafras trees to use.”
“Can I try it?”
“Tell you what, when the weather warms up, we’ll go to the pond so you can try it there.”
“Promise?”
“Sherry, Mark said we would. He always keeps his promises.”
“I just asked!”
“Jordan, it’s ok. All she did was ask. She doesn’t know me as well as you and Noah do. She’s your girl. She’s your closest ally if you’ll give her a reason. Cut her some slack.”
“Yes sir.”
“Sherry, I promise. Stacy and I will take all four of you to the pond when it warms up so you can try to catch some fish with just what’s in this bottle and a stick for a pole if you can find one.”
“I’m sorry I asked if you promise.”
“That’s ok. You’re new to being a big kid. When any of us say we’ll do something, we will. The other side of that is that we expect you to be the same way. We depend on each other all the time. We can do that because we trust each other to do what we say.”
“I’ll remember.”
“We know you will. We trust you.”
“You really trust me?”
“We trust all of you or we wouldn’t have invited you.” (All five of the new big kids get about two inches taller and are smiling from ear to ear.)
“Mark, I know this is a fun weekend, but if we don’t put up some more firewood, we’re gonna’ be short next time.”
“Me and Bobby will come up and cut some before we come back to camp again.”
“Can we come with you so you can show us how?”
“It’s hard work, Tabby.”
“Then we should help. It was hard work for you guys to get the firewood we’re burning this time. If we want to come back, we need to help. We’re big kids now.”
“Sherry, we’ll have to ask your Mom and Tabby’s parents, but if they say it’s ok, we’ll come up and cut firewood when you can help us. None of you are big enough to use a chainsaw yet, but there’s other things you can do. We’ll teach you.”
“What about me?”
“You’re not big enough for the chainsaw either, but you can learn and help too if you want to.”
“Yeah I want to!”
“Then we’ll ask Betty too.”
“Mark, let’s head back so I can start on some lunch for everybody. Some of you guys want to give me a hand?”
“YEAH!”
“Anastasia, mind if I help you too?”
“I’d like that. I think I’m going to need the help with all these new apprentice chefs.”
“Be glad to. This is going to get interesting.”
“I want to put a few dutch oven cobblers together for supper. Think you could get a helper here to give you a hand with the fire?”
“Jordan showed me how to build a fire last night. Can I help?”
“Do any of you not know how to start a fire?”
“Me.”
“Me.”
“Sherry, if they want to learn how, would it be ok if they help me instead of you?”
“As long as Stacy shows me how to do something else.”
“How about I show you how to make them and you can help me cook them tonight? The boys can make up a batch of vegetable soup and grilled cheese for lunch.”
“Jordan and Noah know how to cook!?!”
“Yeah, Mom and Mark taught them the same time they were teaching me.”
“Cool! Let’s go!”
(Supper, Tent, 6 PM)
“Stacy, what do we call this one?”
“That’s a mystery cobbler.”
“Why do you call it that?”
“Because it’s never the same twice; it’s a mystery. We threw one together on a campout once when we weren’t planning on having one. We had one can of peaches, one of pears, one of cherries, about four cans of fruit cocktail, and a few boxes of raisins. We mixed it all together and made a cobbler. It was such a hit, we make one every time now. That’s why I told you to grab four cans of stuff with your eyes closed. The idea is for it to be a little different every time.”
“That’s fun.”
“Wait till you taste it.”
(Tent, after supper.)
“Are you guys having a good time?”
“Yeah Jennifer, today was fun.”
“Did you learn anything?”
“We learned all kinds of stuff!”
“Did you find your presents?”
“We got presents? Where are they?”
“We all got together and got you guys something. Go check under the tree.”
“We all got one! What did you guys do?”
(Alan comes up and puts an arm around Jennifer as the rest of the crew gathers around to watch the kids open their presents.)
“You guys gave us all backpacks so we can carry our stuff easier when we come camping!”
“Maybe. Check inside them.”
“I know what these are! Mark, did you put this together?”
“We all did.”
“Jordan, what is all this stuff?”
“These are go bags like all the guys carry. This stuff is to help us if we get lost or hurt. Me and Noah never had one of these before. I guess we really are part of the crew now! Thanks guys!”
“You’re welcome. We all talked about it and came up with an idea to help you guys. Every campout, one of us couples are going to pair up with one of you couples. We’ll teach you and then next campout, we’ll switch off so that you can learn other things.”
“What about me?”
“Joey, you will hook up with a pair of us too. When you get a girlfriend, you’ll be just like Jordan and Sherry and Noah and Tabby.”
“Do I hafta’ get a girlfriend?”
“I don’t guess you have to, but I bet you do sooner or later.”
“Maybe. All the girls I know are dumb.”
“Gee thanks, Runt!”
“Not you, Kit! You’re cool!”
“Thanks. Ow!”
“What’s wrong?”
“Eliza’s using my bladder as a punching bag again. Be right back.”
“Guys, there is a lot of stuff we carry that isn’t in your bags yet. As we teach you how to use them, we’ll add stuff for you. Some of the stuff we carry, we can’t have at school. We’ll teach you about that too and show you what we do to stay out of trouble. From now on, you should keep those bags with you all the time. Unless you’re taking a bath, they should always be in arm’s reach. Why don’t you guys get something to drink and pick a couple. We’ll show you about the things that are already in there and tell you about what kind of things you should put in when you get home.”
“Ok Mark. Will you show me and Sherry?”
“We want them to show us!”
“Jordan, would you and Sherry be ok with Sam and Skyler showing you guys?”
“That’d be ok. What do you think, Sherry?”
“Yeah, that’s ok.”
“Ok Mark, but next campout, you guys are ours!”
“Deal. Noah, you and Tabby grab your bags and something to drink and come on over here.”
“You want me and Kit to show you, little brother?”
“Yeah. Is Kit ok?”
“Yeah, Eliza’s just being active. They’re ok.”
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Post by kaijafon on Jan 13, 2018 16:27:00 GMT -6
I love the idea of the older "kids" teaching the younger ones. This happens so rarely in real life. At least where I am.
thank you for the moar!
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 13, 2018 18:28:42 GMT -6
Another good one!
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Post by 9idrr on Jan 13, 2018 19:53:43 GMT -6
Good stuff, cutter, but you do realize, don't you, that it's already been six whole hours?
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Post by papawolf on Jan 16, 2018 2:28:00 GMT -6
Reminds me a bit of my brother and I, He showed me how to build, hike, hunt and read. Built our first real tree house at 9 & 5, and Our 2nd one at 11 and 8, the seconded was 2 stories, had running water, electricity, working kitchen, restroom, a drawbridge and was quite comfortable.
A friend of my brothers ran away from home, bad home life, and lived in the tree house for 2 months before my parent realized that someone was living out there and it was less than a hundred feet from the main house we lived in.
Before I was 10 my brother had taught me all the skills that I would later need as a carpenter’s helper.
Not to say we had a perfect relationship, knock down bloody fight once a week, but if I needed a body made or disposed of he would help me with out question; trying to instill that kind of relationship in my own kids, but they just don’t have it.
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Post by cutter on Jan 17, 2018 22:35:59 GMT -6
Sorry it took so long. Work's been getting in the way again. Anyway, enough of my excuses. Please enjoy.
Chapter 67
(Sunday, January 7, Tent, 6 AM)
(Very softly) “Billy. Wake up.”
“What is it, Mark?”
“Feel like helping me with some breakfast?”
“Sure. I’ll wake Steph up to help us.”
“No.”
“I’m awake. I don’t mind.”
“Not the point, Steph. The kids asked if the boys ever cook. I want to show them we do. I want us to set an example.”
“It’d be just as good for them to see boys and girls working together. I bet Stacy will be in the middle of it.”
“She’s still out cold. I admit, I want to do this for her too. I haven’t cooked for her in quite a while.”
“You want to get all the other guys up?”
“Let the kids sleep. They all need the lesson and the one about us all doing things for each other. Kit was up and down all night with Eliza. She just got to sleep about an hour ago. We can’t get Bobby up without waking her, so let him sleep.”
“What about the others?”
“We can ask Sam, but I think we better steer clear of Alan and Jen.”
“Why?”
“From what I can tell, we’re going to get a real nice view if the covers come off Jen right now. Her nightgown and all her clothes are lying beside the bed and it looks like the covers are the only thing covering her. I bet she’s naked under those blankets.”
“That’s a little much with the little kids here!”
“I agree. I’ll have Stacy wake them and set them straight before the kids get up. I don’t want to be too hard on them. It may be going too far with the kids here, but that’s a big step in trust for her. Stacy can correct them gently while still giving Jen encouragement for taking a step in her recovery.”
“It’s been six years!”
“Yeah, and she didn’t have near enough support until she and Alan hooked up and then they hooked up with us. Put it this way, I have seen Stacy’s breasts, even touched them. Have you seen Steph’s?”
“I think I see your point, Mark. Yes, Billy has seen and touched mine, but that’s all we’ve done. This is a first for Jen, isn’t it?”
“We need to stay out of their love life unless they tell us themselves, but let’s just say that it looks like Jen has come a long way since the last time we were here.”
“Then we’ll leave them alone. Go wake up Sam. Me and Billy are both going to help. Get over it.”
“Hey, you had your chance to stay in bed. I’m not going to argue. I know how short that t-shirt is you’re wearing.”
“Mark…”
“Don’t you give me any grief, Billy. The first time you saw Stacy in her bikini, you said some words I hadn’t heard since before Dad died. Anastasia’s my girl, but I still like to look and so do you.”
“It’s a fair trade, Billy. Mark looks good enough to eat when he’s working out in those shorts of his.” (Steph winks at Mark with a grin.)
“Stop it, both of you. Mark, go wake up Sam. Steph, put some damn clothes on!”
“A little jealous?”
“Yeah, asshole!”
“Baby, don’t be that way. You know we flirt in this crew and you should know Mark and I already have who we want.”
“Still, that’s over the...”
(Stephanie sits up and gives Billy a very long, passionate kiss.) “Any questions?”
“Not now. Damn, girl! Mark, does Stacy ever kiss you like that?”
“Only when she’s bored, or tired. She usually puts a little more into it than that.”
“You are such a smart ass. Go wake up Sam so I can change out of this t-shirt.”
(While the boys and Steph are cooking breakfast)
“Why didn’t you guys wake us up?”
“We didn’t think Jen would want to show off what she’s got to everybody.”
“Yeah, about that, we didn’t do what it looks like.”
“Not really our business. Alan, is she wearing anything under those blankets?”
(Alan blushes) “No. I’m sorry, guys. Really, we didn’t do anything. Jen just told me this is something she had to do, just to prove to herself she’s getting better.”
“We understand. Alan, I’m glad she’s making progress, but we have the kids with us. They don’t need to see that. They’re not old enough yet to understand. Make her understand that we are proud of her for getting better, but she can’t do that around the kids.”
“Thanks, Mark. I’ll take care of it. Can you guys look the other way for a few minutes?”
“Of course. Let us know when it’s safe.”
(Over Breakfast)
“This is good! Did you boys really cook all of this?”
“Us and Steph. She wanted to get up and help us. She did her part too.”
“Can I help next time?”
“All of you can help with anything you want to, anytime. You guys are big kids like us now. You’re a little younger and have some stuff to learn yet, but you’re all part of the crew just like we are. If you want to do something and don’t know how, all you have to do is ask one of us and we’ll show you.”
“Cool!”
(---)
“Jen, you’re awful quiet this morning.”
“I’m embarrassed. I was so stupid to do what I did last night.”
“Mark told me about it. Don’t be embarrassed. Tell you what, our men can pack us up after breakfast. Why don’t you and I bundle up and take a little walk alone. A little girl talk will do you good.”
“I know you’re mad about me doing that around the kids.”
“Pfft! No I’m not. It wasn’t the best choice, but no harm done. Nobody’s mad. Let’s take a walk and talk.”
“Ok, Kit. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. That’s why I want us to talk in private. You don’t need to be sorry.”
(Marshall homestead, 2 PM)
“When are we going again?”
“It’ll probably be three or four weeks, Sherry.”
“Why so long?”
“Our next trip back there, we’re going to pour the concrete for the roof of the shelter.”
“Can’t we go before then?”
“Sis, Jordan and the rest of the guys that live here have jobs or work to do around here. We all have other things to do too. You know, it’d be nice to go on a date with our honeys in town once in a while.”
“But we all had so much fun together!”
“Yeah, but we need a little alone time with our boyfriends and girlfriends too. Tell you what, why don’t we have Mom talk to Erin and see if Jordan can come with us on a double date with Sky. The four of us can go catch a movie or something.”
“Ok, but I really want to go camping with the big kids again!”
“You will. Best I can tell, you and Jordan are big kids for good now.”
“Yay!”
“Get your stuff. Mom’s here to take us home.”
“Be right back!” (Sherry goes to get her stuff and say goodbye to Jordan.)
“Sky, I had a really great time with you this weekend.”
“I did too. Sam, thanks for putting up with me freaking out about losing you last time.”
“Hey, it wasn’t all bad. I know for sure I’m not going to lose you to some super sexy eighth grader.”
“Seriously? There’s only one super sexy guy in Franklin Middle right now, and he’s Stacy’s.”
“You thinking of joining forces with Stacy?”
“Not a chance. You’re all I want. If I had any doubts, you took care of them this weekend. I can’t keep up with you and neither can those high school girls.”
“It ain’t like we went all the way.”
“No, we didn’t even go halfway and you made me lose my mind about halfway to that!”
“Glad to help.”
“I don’t know how much help you were. My bed’s going to feel really empty after this weekend. That wasn’t all of it anyway. Seeing you with the new kids, seeing you work together with the other men, it just proves what I already know by how you treat me. Sam, you’re a good man. I know I can never replace Kat, but I’m glad I have you.”
“No, you can never replace Kat because Kat and I never belonged to each other. I had dreams about how it would be with her. That’s all they were, dreams. I can see a real future with you. Our future together is so real to me, I can almost touch it. I would have liked to have gotten to know Kat better, but I don’t know if she and I could ever have had what you and I do. You’re who I want and this is where I want to be.”
“See you soon?”
“Count on it.”
(---)
“Kit, thanks for helping me see my timing was bad, but I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Jen, that’s what we’re all here for. Listen, it was hard for me too and I’m still not where I want to be. At least you never stripped naked in front of Alan’s Mom.”
“I wouldn’t dare. That hateful bitch would probably think it was an offer and try to get some from me. I still can’t understand how a mother can turn her back on her only child.”
“I don’t know either, but it’s good for Alan. He and Erika have gotten really close. Jack and Skyler have a really good relationship too.”
“I think that was a match made in Heaven. They treat me like a daughter too. There’s Jack and Erika; I better go.”
“See you at school tomorrow.”
(Jen hugs Kit) “Thanks for everything, Kit. See you tomorrow.”
(Tuesday, January 16, Franklin High School, lunch)
“Hey guys! How you feeling, Kit?”
“Like my belly needs its own zip code. Other than that, I’m good. How are you?”
“Good! Hey, y’all want to go on a date with me, Alan, Sam, and Sky this weekend?”
“Sure! What are we doing?”
“We could go to Boomers, not much else in Franklin. I guess we could see if Jack and Erika would take us to Bowling Green.”
“Bowling Green’s getting a little rough these days. I hate to sound like an old married Mom, but I have Eliza to think about. Let’s stay closer to home.”
“Sounds like a plan to me. You’re right, things keep happening in BG I don’t want to get caught in the middle of.”
“Sounds like we’re going to Boomer’s then.”
“It’s a date. Want to go Friday or Saturday?”
“Let’s go Friday.”
“Pick you guys up about six?”
“Why don’t we just meet there at six? I’m sure Mom, Dad, or Betty will bring us in.”
“That’d be great. Cool.”
(Rubycon office, mother’s lounge, lunch time)
“Geez, it looks like a maternity ward in here.”
“Not far off. Thinking of joining us, Sis?”
“Erin, you know Brian and I have been trying. I don’t know if I can anymore.”
“Have some faith, Morgan.” It took almost a year and a half before Andy and I managed to time things right for Marlee here.”
“In God’s hands. It’ll happen when it happens, if it happens. You need me to make up a bottle of formula for Roni?”
“Not this time. Me and Kit finally got things figured out. When we nurse them, she nurses Roni. She produces enough to satisfy Roni and even give Al a start. I finish Al and then pump what’s left. I’m getting closer. At this rate, I may be able to feed them both by myself in a month or so.”
“I know that’d make you feel better, but I think Kit’s going to miss it.”
“She’s due in like six and a half weeks. She’ll have Eliza to nurse then.”
“Honestly, I think she enjoys the time with you as much as the nursing. You’ve helped put a lot of her fears to rest and given her a lot of comfort.”
“We can still nurse our babies together. What’s the worst that will happen, Bobby sees my boobs again? Ain’t like it’ll be the first time.”
“He doesn’t stare, does he?”
“He asked me about that scar I have on the right one, the first time he saw them. I don’t think he’s looked at them since. He just glances at whichever kid I have and then all his attention is on Kit and whichever one she’s feeding.”
“Yeah, nobody can measure up to Kit with that boy. I hope the court hearing goes the way they want it to go next week.”
“I don’t see how it couldn’t. Everybody, including Greg Phillips, has submitted letters of support to the court.”
“Greg didn’t. He’s appearing in person. He knows the judge.”
“Then there should be no problem.”
“We hope not. There is a plan B if the judge won’t see sense.”
“And that is?”
“We all take a trip to South Carolina. Both Bobby and Kit are old enough to marry there and only parental consent is required.”
“So why not just do that in the first place?”
“This is our home. Bobby and Kit aren’t doing anything wrong and they feel like going to another state to get married makes it look like they are. They’ll do it, and we and Betty will support them, if they have to as a last resort. They just don’t want to, if they can avoid it.”
“Morgan, does your family ever do anything the easy way?”
“Not very often, Amy. Not very often.”
“You want to adopt us too?”
“We already did, Amy; when we hired you.”
“Well, in that case, will you raise my allowance?”
“Brian and I will discuss it.”
“I’m kidding, Morgan! You guys pay me a good wage and the fringe benefits are unbelievable! I’m not asking for a raise.”
“You sure? We have a few extra ladders in the shop.”
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Post by papaof2 on Jan 17, 2018 23:53:19 GMT -6
Love the "ladders in the shop" response to "raise" ;-)
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Post by cutter on Jan 18, 2018 6:11:58 GMT -6
That was an old joke in construction when I went into the trade in 1994
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Post by headlesshorseman on Jan 18, 2018 7:20:12 GMT -6
Thanks for the MOAR. I didn't realize how much a job got in the way until I retired.
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Post by navybum on Jan 19, 2018 3:33:31 GMT -6
I am new to this site and this is the first story I have read. I enjoyed volume 1 and am enjoying volume 2. I will say I have an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy and am receiving disability from the VA for things that happened to me in the Navy. I do have 1 criticism with this story so please do not get upset. Removed political criticism, there is a politics section on this board, please keep personal political opinions out of the comments for the story sections - admin Enjoy your story very much, please keep it up.
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Post by cutter on Jan 21, 2018 2:22:22 GMT -6
Whew! And I thought Stacy had a temper! I guess Mark was right, don't make Kit mad. Speaking of Kit, by the end of this chapter, only five weeks to go. I wonder who's going to be next. Please, enjoy.
Chapter 68
(Thursday, January 25, Simpson County District Court, 11 AM)
“Miss Marshall, it says here that you wish me to issue a consent order allowing you to marry. Young lady, I have some serious reservations about doing so. Miss Marshall, you are barely fifteen years old. You cannot possibly understand the gravity of what you seek to enter into.”
“Your Honor, I understand exactly what I wish to enter into. If I may ask, what are your reservations?”
“Miss Marshall, you are still a child. Your pregnancy alone speaks to your inability to look out for your best interest. It is my job as a judge to protect you. Were it not for the Romeo and Juliet exemption in Kentucky law, I would be looking to jail Mr. Jones here on charges of statutory rape.”
“With what little respect I can manage, Your Honor, if you were at all concerned for my protection, you would have at least read the supporting documents submitted with my petition. Robert Thomas Jones did not father my child. My daughter was fathered by Troy McCallister, a vicious animal who raped me. He also gave me all of these scars and many more that you cannot see. You just accused an innocent man. If you care so much for my protection, where were you when Troy McCallister raped, sodomized, beat, and nearly murdered me? Where were you when that same animal tried very hard to kill my twelve year old adoptive uncle who fought him to protect me? Where were you when I was so shattered in the aftermath of my rape that I was terrified of my own adoptive father and that same twelve year old uncle who suffered serious injuries saving my life? I can tell you where Troy was. He was dead before the ambulance got me to the hospital. He was shot dead by a Simpson County deputy sheriff when he refused to drop his weapon. Bobby and I weren’t even friends then, but when he came into my life a few weeks later, he did everything in his power to help me heal. When I told him I was pregnant, he didn’t even have to think about it. He stood by me and has stood by me ever since. Your Honor, when Bobby proposed to me, he asked me to let him be my husband. The very next thing he said to me was to ask me to let him be my daughter’s Dad. He’s here, by my side. He’s been unconditionally by my side from the very beginning of our relationship. Your Honor, where were you?”
“I don’t care for your tone, Miss Marshall. It is hardly my responsibility to protect you from everything in your life.”
“I don’t expect or want you to. I don’t want you to protect me from this, because I don’t need protecting from it. As a condition of our parents’ consent, Bobby and I both promised to complete our education. We have discussed and agreed to continuing our education beyond high school. My goal is to obtain a degree that will enable me to be a rape counselor, possibly a psychiatrist specializing in rape recovery. Bobby has chosen to go to vocational training as a mechanic. He works as a mechanic now and enjoys it. He’s very good at what he does and wants the education to make him better. We have both also agreed to live on my parents’ property, in an apartment separate from the house, at least until I graduate high school. We want to raise our daughter, surrounded by our extended family. We believe it will benefit her and will allow us to avoid many of the problems we would face as teen parents if we were to try to go it on our own. Our daughter cannot afford for us to make stupid mistakes or for us to refuse the help and guidance of our family. This isn’t some impulsive act by a couple of kids. We have talked and planned in detail, what we want to do. We have asked for, and received, help, advice, and support from both Bobby’s mother and my very large extended family. Your Honor, we know very well what we are getting into and are committed to doing right by each other and our daughter.”
“Be seated, Miss Marshall. Judge Phillips, I am surprised and concerned that you have chosen to appear here, apparently in support of this girl. Greg, you can’t seriously be in favor of this.”
“John, we go back a long way. I am indeed in favor of this. I am well acquainted with both Bobby Jones and Kit Marshall. They are young in years, but that’s the only thing they are young in. You didn’t like it when Miss Marshall fearlessly spoke her mind to you just now. I remember when she would have cowered in this courtroom in fear. Her adoptive family and her fiance have moved mountains to help her become the strong, wise woman you see before you today. I not only approved her adoption by this family, but the adoptions of three other children to Mrs. Marshall’s sister and brother-in-law. I have never before, and may never again, be privileged to see such a perfect joining of family. John, you would be a fool to deny Miss Marshall the permission she seeks. If you do, you will have wronged them, Miss Marshall’s child, and their families. There are other places where only parental consent is required for Miss Marshall to legally marry. If you deny her, they will certainly go to one of those places, perhaps permanently. All you will succeed in doing is harming and possibly separating a good, solid family. I’ll be honest, if you deny them, I will personally drive them to South Carolina and stand as a witness to their wedding if needs be, this very day. It’s your call, Your Honor. Make the right one.”
“Mr. Jones, I still have issues with your desire to take a child bride. You are not her child’s father. You have no ties to bind you to her when the inevitable difficulties of marriage and parenthood force you to see reality.”
“Your Honor, with all she has been forced to survive, she is not a child. You are so wrong about the ties I have to her and her family. Less than a year ago, I was a worthless bastard of a bully. I was on my way to becoming an inmate in a Kentucky prison, or dead. Kitty Marshall and her family gave me a reason to change. They gave me the second chance I needed to change my life. They believed in me and supported me. Because of them, I went from being a future felon to an honorable man. You’re right, I didn’t father Eliza. Any man can be a father. I want to be her Dad. I want to be the man that stands by her and her mother. I want to be the man who helps her mother raise and provide for her. I want to be the man who helps her to learn and grow and become an honorable woman, like her mother. I want to be the man who helps her with her homework, the man she says she hates when she doesn’t like the rules I set to look out for her, the man who she comes to when she has trouble or her heart gets broken. I want to be the man who celebrates her joy and comforts her in her sorrow. Your Honor, if you have children, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I want to be Kitty’s husband and partner. I want to be Eliza’s Dad. Sir, I won’t stop until I am both of those things. I’ll wait if I have to, but not one minute more than I have to.”
“Sit down, Mr. Jones…(Sigh) Damn. I am fundamentally opposed to granting Miss Marshall permission to marry at such a young age. On the other hand, neither of you speak as I would expect children to speak about this. All of you have made compelling arguments in favor of Miss Marshall’s request. What’s more, a man who has been my friend since high school, a man whose singular responsibility in his work as a family court judge is to protect children, has called me out in my own courtroom. It is still against my better judgement, but as hard as I have looked, I cannot find enough legitimate reason to deny Miss Marshall’s request. It is the order of this court that Kitty Elaine Marshall be granted permission to obtain a marriage license with Robert Thomas Jones and that they be allowed to marry in Simpson County. You may pick up a copy of my order this afternoon, after two o’clock, from my clerk. Go in peace, and good luck.”
(Outside the courtroom. Kit wraps Judge Phillips in a tight hug.)
“Thank you, Judge Phillips! We won’t disappoint you.”
“Kit, you and I both narrowly avoided contempt charges just now. I think you can call me Greg. You’re very welcome. I know you won’t disappoint me.”
“Greg, will you marry us?”
“I can’t. Only a member of the clergy who is licensed to perform marriages by the Commonwealth or a justice of the peace is allowed to perform weddings in Kentucky. I would if I could.”
“Judge, will a justice of the peace marry us if our pastor won’t?”
“The justice of the peace doesn’t have any choice, so long as you have the consent forms, photo ID, and a valid marriage license.”
“I can’t get a driver’s license yet! We did all of this for nothing?”
“You can get a non-driver ID card from the driver’s license office. That is an official, state issued photo ID. You have to have it to get a marriage license anyway.”
“Mom, Dad, can we go get me that before we go back to school?”
“Yes, and the marriage license. We’ll talk to Craig tonight.”
“Thank you.”
(On the way to Franklin High School from the county clerk’s office.)
(Bobby’s cell phone)
“Lamb’s Rest Baptist Church, this is Pastor Greene.”
“Pastor, this is Bobby Jones. When would be a good time for Kit and I to come talk to you?”
“Aren’t you in school right now?”
“More or less. We’re going there now.”
“Why don’t you stop by after you get out of school?”
“That would be great.”
“Should I prepare for good news or bad news?”
“Haha. I hope you think it’s good news.”
“Me too. I just never know with you folks.”
“Well, as far as I know, nobody’s hurt, sick, dead, or dying.”
“That’s a start at least. I’ll see you here this afternoon.”
“Thanks, Pastor.”
(Franklin High, end of day, waiting for their rides.)
“So? What happened?”
“Sam, it was a fight, but we won.”
“The judge gave you trouble?”
“You have no idea. He said he’d put Bobby in jail for statutory rape if he could have for getting me pregnant. I enjoyed setting him straight on that one.”
“You told the judge off!?!”
“Judge Phillips said I narrowly avoided contempt charges. I didn’t cuss, but I guess I was pretty rude.”
“And he gave you permission after that?”
Judge Phillips swung it for us, I think. I don’t care how it happened, we won.”
“So what now? When do you get the license?”
“Got it on the way back to school today. We’re going to talk to Craig on the way home today.”
“Think he’ll give y’all any grief?”
“Hope not. If he gives us too much, me and Bobby will go to the JOP to get married and then find a new church to go to. I will not have my husband and me looked down on for doing what’s right. We want to live our lives in marriage rather than in sin and we want to raise our daughter with two parents. I don’t feel a bit bad that we made love already. We are already married except for the ring and the ceremony. We would have already been married if we hadn’t had to jump through all these stupid hoops the law made us deal with.”
“You two have had sex!?!”
“No, we made love. Jen, there’s a difference. It is a special, precious thing between us. It isn’t just our bodies joining, but our minds and souls. It’s a closeness like you cannot imagine. We wouldn’t have, if I hadn’t been ready. I started it that night. Bobby hesitated, even told me to stop. It didn’t take a lot, but I had to convince him. Jen, don’t rush it with Alan. Be sure he’s the one for the rest of your life, but don’t be afraid if the time comes that you are sure. Don’t make a mistake and give in, but don’t make a mistake and give up a precious gift either.”
“I’m not ready by a long shot, but I think I understand. Can I come over sometime and just the two of us talk about it?”
“Anytime you want. If you need a ride, I’ll ask Mom, Dad, or Mama to come get you and take you back home whenever we’re done. You can stay as long as you want.”
“Kit, I’m sorry you had to go through it, but you have helped me so much more than all the counselors and therapists that I’ve gone to. You really do understand. I’m grateful for you more than I can say.”
“Jen, you’ve helped me too. The rest of the crew have really worked hard to help heal me, and they have, but you and I understand it like they can’t. I hope none of them ever can understand like we do.”
“I wish nobody else ever would understand like we do. Kit, it would have almost been worth what I went through, if I’d been the last one.”
“I feel the same way. At least I have Bobby and our precious Eliza out of it. I paid a heavy price for them, but my husband and daughter are worth it. It let me help you too, so that’s worth a lot too.”
“There’s Mom for us. Good luck and call me tonight to tell me how it went.”
“Thanks Jen, I will.”
“Good luck you guys.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks Alan. Thanks Sam. There’s Brian, we gotta’ go.”
“Bobby, let us know too.”
“We’ll call you both tonight. See ya’.”
(At the church)
“Thanks for making time for us so quick, Pastor.”
“Bobby, you do realize you are welcome to call me Craig, don’t you?”
“But you’re my pastor!”
“Bobby, we are both redeemed children of God. I baptized you. We are all equals in the sight of God. Being a pastor just happens to be the job God wanted me to do. As far as I know, you’re doing what God wants you to do. I tolerate it, but I don’t encourage anybody to address me as Pastor. I’m no better than the congregation I serve and I never liked titles anyway. Now, what can I do for you?”
“Short and sweet, you can marry Kitty and me.”
“I can’t do that, Bobby.”
“Craig, either you can do it or we can go to the JOP and he’ll do it. If it comes to that, we’ll be finding another church to attend where we will be welcome and our marriage will be honored.”
“Now wait a minute, Kit. You and Bobby are welcome here. I personally love having both of you as members of our congregation. You both have brought so much to us. I can’t marry you because the law does not allow you to marry at your age. Even Bobby has to have parental consent to marry right now.”
(Bobby and Kit look at each other and share a smile. Bobby winks and motions to tell her to answer.)
“Is that the only reason? Are you sure you don’t have any problems with it?”
“Kit, I know you’re scared. You are fifteen and about to become a mother, of course you’re scared. I’m sure you want to marry Bobby because you don’t want to be a single mother, but you’ll have your family’s support. You won’t have to do this by yourself. There is so much more to a marriage than raising a child.”
“You’re right, there is. A marriage is a commitment, and not just to the children. When Bobby and I marry, we are committing ourselves to support and care for each other physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We are committing to hold each other’s health and well being equal to our own and that of our children above both of us. We are committing to a lifetime together. Bluntly, we are promising each other that when we are two little old people who have to gum our applesauce, we will still be together to support each other. We are promising each other a lifetime of love and devotion. I want to marry Bobby, but he asked me; I didn’t ask him. I’m not afraid. I don’t have to have Bobby or anybody else to raise my daughter, but my family will be there for us whether or not I marry Bobby. God gave Eliza to me and He will provide a way, no matter what. Bobby wants to be my husband, my partner and equal. Bobby wants to be our daughter’s Dad. He wants to be those things to us so badly that his proposal wasn’t so much a question as a plea. He asked me to let him be my husband and our daughter’s Dad. We know what we’re getting into and I am about tired of having to defend our decision. Bobby is committed to being a husband and father. It’s going to happen and happen soon, with or without you. I would prefer it happen with you.”
“Kit, it’s against the law for you to get married until you are sixteen! Even at sixteen, you still have to have parental consent. Nobody is going to marry you two because the law says you can’t marry.”
“Well, according to Kentucky Revised Statutes, a judge can grant me permission to marry. According to Judge John L. Tomlin of the Simpson County District Court, I have that permission as of today. Here is a copy of his court order, the parental consent forms from Mom and Dad and Bobby’s mother, and the marriage license we got today. Now, will you marry us or not, because I’m about fed up with having to defend our decision and convincing people that it’s the right decision.”
“Kit, don’t be angry with me. I’ve never had anybody as young as you, ask me to marry them. I didn’t know it was legally possible under any circumstances until just now. You two are so young! I was listening to every word you said, but do you really believe you understand all that you are facing?”
“Mom, Dad, help us out here before I say something I might regret. I don’t really want to go with our plan B, but I am about out of patience and it’s sounding better every minute.”
“Craig, they understand as well as Morgan and I did when you married us. They understand as well as you did when you married Bridgette. They understand every bit as well as Larry and Erin did, and you married them. These two aren’t that much younger than they are, just three years. Lord knows we all had our problems. Don’t forget, you told me your and Bridgette’s story too. All three of us couples went through the same Hell. You got through it and so did we. Bobby and Kit are as ready as any couple can be for marriage. You are my Pastor and my friend. Please Craig, join these two before God, instead of just the state.”
“Bobby, are you and Kit sure, really sure?”
“Craig, we’re sure. We both had our problems when we got together. Kitty’s were much worse than mine, but I did have them. It’s been a long, hard road but we’ve put each other back together. We both had help from our family, but we both stood by each other and helped each other to get where we are today. Craig, we’ve changed each other and each other’s lives. We both like who we’ve become. We both like and are proud of what we have become together. We’re going to see this through, but we’d like it best if you are a part of it.”
“I need to pray about this. Please, don’t go anywhere, but give me a few minutes.”
“We’ll step out.”
“No, stay here. I’d rather go to the chapel.”
“Do what you have to do.”
(Craig goes to the chapel to pray.)
“Maybe we should have just gone to South Carolina in the first place. This is getting ridiculous. Why is everybody so determined to talk us out of this? Mom and Dad didn’t do this to us and neither did Mama. Even Judge Phillips is on our side. Why is everybody else so determined to talk us out of this? I’m about ready to just give up and go to the JOP.”
“Kitty, let Craig get it settled in his soul. Whether he decides to marry us or not, we aren’t going to do it tonight. Give him some time. We’re going to get married soon either way; it won’t hurt to wait for him. I promise, it’ll be ok, Kitty.”
(In the chapel)
“What do I do, Lord? They’re both way too young, but my heart tells me they’re doing the right thing. They could just live together, but they want to get married like You told us in Your Word to do. There are so many things that could push their faith past the breaking point. They are so young and their marriage will be so fragile because of it. There are so many things that could be that one thing too many, so many things that could break their marriage and drive them apart. I don’t know what to do, Lord. I need You to help me. I need You to tell me what’s right here. What do You want me to do?”
“Craig? Supper’s almost ready. Are the Marshall’s still here? What’s wrong, Craig?”
“Bri, I don’t know what to do. I was just praying for God’s guidance. Bobby Jones, Kit Marshall, and their parents are in my office right now. They have asked me to marry them. They have a judge’s permission for Kit to marry, consent from each of their parents, and a marriage license. What they want to do feels like the right thing for them to do, but so many things could go wrong and push them to divorce. I just don’t know what to do. I can’t make a mistake here.”
“Craig, whether they marry now or when they’re both of age, that could still happen if their faith isn’t strong enough. There are couples you have married who are now divorced. It is the couple, not the preacher who married them, who makes that decision and must make answer for it. You’ve married pregnant women before. Most of those marriages are alive and well; a few have ended in divorce. Why are these two any different? Is it just their ages?”
“Bri, they’re so young! Kit’s baby isn’t Bobby’s either. I would be condemning him to raise another man’s child.”
“You mean like Brian is raising another man’s child? You mean like Larry Waters is raising not one, but three children, none of whom were born to him? You mean like my Dad who raised me? I just named three men who counted children who weren’t theirs as a blessing, not a punishment. Craig, their faith is strong. Bobby knows that Kit’s little girl isn’t his and he wants to do this anyway. Nothing in this congregation gets past you. We’ve both heard what he’s said about it. He isn’t exactly quiet about his feelings toward Kit or Eliza. It isn’t your place to judge them. Craig, marry them and then leave them in God’s hands. You’ve seen how they are together. They’re already married in fact; the paperwork just hadn’t caught up yet or they’d be married by law too.”
“I hope I’m doing the right thing. I did ask God to tell me what to do, and then you showed up.”
“I just came to tell you that supper’s ready. God’s who gave you to listen to me.”
“I learned a long time ago that the Pastor’s wife is the real power behind the pulpit. We pastors just get up and talk until we bore the congregation to sleep.”
“Will you go tell them you’ll marry them already! Supper’s going to get cold soon. Invite them to supper with us.”
“I’m going, but supper is just you, me, Sam tonight. After this, I need my family with no distractions.”
“Alright, but get going.” (Craig and Bridgette go their separate ways.)
(Back in the Pastor’s office)
“Bobby, when do you and Kit want to get married?”
“Eliza’s due in a little over five weeks; we want to be married before she is born.”
“I can marry you now, or I have Saturday open.”
“Let’s do Saturday; we don’t have our seconds here. You pick the time, not before sunrise.”
“How about one o’clock? That will give me time for my hospital and homebound visitations and you time to get dressed and such. Where do you want to get married?”
“Mom, Dad, can we get married in the summer kitchen? It’s enclosed and heated and is big enough for everybody we want there. The farm is the most beautiful place I can think of to get married.”
“If that’s what y’all want, it’s ok by us.”
“Bobby?”
“I think that’s just perfect, Honey.”
“Craig, do you mind coming out to our place to marry us?”
“Wouldn’t be the first time I married somebody out there. It is a pretty place.”
“Craig, what color dress should I wear? It isn’t going to be a fancy wedding gown, just a simple dress.”
“I guess that’s up to you.”
“I don’t want to pretend to be something I’m not. Only a virgin is supposed to wear a white dress, and I’m definitely not a virgin.”
“Kit, Troy stole your virtue; you didn’t give it away. Have you and Bobby?”
“Yes, five months after we got engaged. Craig, I already knew we were going to get married. I already knew that he’s going to be the only one for the rest of my life.”
“Wear white if you want to. You didn’t choose to give away your virginity, it was stolen from you. You and Bobby jumped the gun on the ceremony, but as my wife just reminded me, you two are already married in fact, by the way you act toward one another. The way I see it, you may not be a virgin, but you’re pure.”
(Kit, tearing up) “Thank you, Craig.”
“Craig, when you come Saturday, Kit and I would like your wife and Sam to come if they want to. We don’t want to separate you from your family.”
“It would be our honor to come as a family. What else can I do for you?’
“I think that’s everything.”
“Then you folks go home and get something to eat. I was told a few minutes ago that my supper is ready and my wife and son are waiting for me. We’ll see you Saturday at one.”
“Goodnight Craig, and thank you again.”
“Goodnight.”
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Post by udwe on Jan 21, 2018 8:23:04 GMT -6
Made me cry happy tears!
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Post by headlesshorseman on Jan 21, 2018 14:59:01 GMT -6
Thank you. Now I am looking forward to the wedding.
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Post by cutter on Jan 23, 2018 22:33:19 GMT -6
Here you go, Headless. You don't have to wait anymore. I'll say one thing, Pastor Craig Greene is a rare breed. I'm Southern Baptist and was educated in a Baptist church school. I've known a lot of Baptist ministers. Very few of them so readily admit when they're wrong. It usually isn't because they're full of themselves; they just don't want to lead their flock astray. Please enjoy.
Chapter 69
(Friday, January 26, Bobby and Kit’s apartment, 11 PM)
“Are you nervous, Honey?”
“No, not at all. Are you?”
“Nervous? No, I’m scared to death. Kit, I don’t know how to be a husband or a Dad. What if I mess up? What if I can’t make enough to support us? What if you get sick? I don’t know how to do all the things you do! What if…”
“Bobby, you’ll do fine. We’ve been living together since Christmas. You know how to be a good husband already. We go to school every day and you go to work every night when we get home. You work way past dark to make your pay. You come dragging through the door, kiss me, eat your supper, and thank me for it, every night. After that you do your homework and take your shower, then you give me your whole attention. I try not to ask you to do much because you work so hard, but you do everything I ask without complaint and offer more. Neither one of us lasts long after you get your homework and everything else done, but you always make time just for me. We haven’t made love but a couple of times since I moved in, but you always find the energy to kiss me or hold me or rub my back. You lay your head on my chest and rub my belly while you talk to Eliza for a few minutes every night. It melts my heart when you do that. Bobby, tomorrow it’s going to be official, but you’re already a great husband. Eliza’s not even here yet and you already are working to provide for her future and making time for her in the here and now. Daddy was a perfect father to me and Kat. Dad is everything I ever wanted in a father. Bobby, you’re as good as both of them. Our daughter is blessed to have you waiting for her to be her Dad. Lay down your fears. We’re together and we have help if we need it. Everything’s going to be alright.”
“I hope so. This place is going to feel so empty without you tonight.”
“My old room is going to feel the same way. It’s tradition for the bride and groom to not see each other before the wedding. We’ll get through it. Just think about how sweet it will be when you see me walking down that aisle to be by your side for the rest of our lives. I’d like to say I know how sweet it will be to see you standing there at the altar, waiting for me, but I’m not sure I can. Something tells me the sight of you waiting for me tomorrow is going to be like it has never been before.”
“You know, for a small wedding, we sure have a lot of groomsmen and bridesmaids.”
“Yeah, but what else were we going to do?”
“Nothing else we could do. The crew all worked hard for both of us. Mark and Stacy are the ones who did the most and are closest to us, so them being the best man and maid of honor was a no brainer. The rest belong there too. The boys worked hard to help you heal and teach me the ropes around here, so we had to have them in the wedding. We had to have Tabby and Sherry for them. I thought Joey was going to cry when I asked him to be the ring bearer and you made Tia’s whole year when you asked her to be the flower girl. There’ll be as many in our wedding party as will be in the audience, but there will be at least some folks not working tomorrow.”
“Darlin’, it’s pushing midnight and you’re exhausted. Why don’t I go on down to the house and you get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow. Eliza and I are wearing out quick too.”
“Nothin’ doin’. I’ll walk you down. I don’t dare leave you alone too long; you might come to your senses and change your mind.”
“I came to my senses when I told you yes at your birthday campout. I’m never changing my mind. You just be sure you’re ready. Tomorrow night’s going to be a long night for both of us.”
“Yeah, if we don’t both pass out as soon as our heads hit our pillows.”
“Then I’ll be sure to take the pillows off the bed.”
“Let’s get you down to your folks’ house before I change my mind about this staying apart thing.”
“Ok.”
(Kit’s sitting on the window seat in her old bedroom, in her nightgown. She’s rubbing her stomach while she looks out the window at the barn.)
“Daddy’s going to marry Mommy tomorrow. Are you excited? I am. Daddy loves us so much, little one. He can hardly wait to hold you and kiss you. Hehehe, that’s it little one, get comfortable. Thank you for not kicking Mommy. I love Daddy so much. When you show up, we’re going to be a family. Mommy, Daddy, and baby Eliza all together. When you’re older, we’ll tell you everything, but don’t you ever think you aren’t Daddy’s little girl. Mommy and Daddy love you. You’re our everything. You are a precious gift to us from God, and we will cherish you forever. Your Grandpa and Grandmas and your aunts and uncles and cousins all love you so much already. You’re not going to know what to do with yourself, you’ll be loved so much. It’s one of God’s gifts to you, just like you’re a gift to us. Maybe your Grandpa Chris and Aunt Kat will come see you in your dreams. I know they love you too. Let’s get some sleep, little one. Tomorrow’s a big day for both of us and Daddy too. I’m glad you’re going to get to be there for it. Daddy and I couldn’t have done it without you.”
(Lying down in her old bed) “Goodnight Eliza, sweet dreams. Lord, You’ve given me so much. You gave me Daddy and Kat. When they had to go home, You watched out for me and gave me all the family I have now. When I messed up and almost paid for it with my life, You protected me and sent Mark and Stacy and Sam and Sky. You gave me Eliza to help me hold on and heal. You gave me the crew to help put me back together. After You did all of that, You gave me Bobby so I’ll never have to go it alone and so Eliza will have a Daddy who truly loves her. You gave me eternity with You a long time ago. I can never begin to repay You, but I want to do as much as I can. I thank You for being my God. I’m sorry I haven’t always made the right choices, and I thank You for forgiving me when I made the wrong ones. Tomorrow, You’re giving me a good man to be my husband. Lord, I thank You for Bobby and pray You won’t ever let me fail him. Help me Lord to not fail You again. In Christ’s name, Amen.”
(Saturday, January 27, Kit’s old room, Kit, Stacy, Erin, and Morgan, 8:30 AM)
“Here Kit, put on your dress quick!”
“I haven’t taken a shower or eaten or anything yet.”
“I don’t care. I brought my sewing machine with me. If it isn’t right, it’ll take every last minute for me to fix it. Try it on!”
(Kit takes off her nightgown and slips into her simple, white wedding dress.)
“Well? How does it fit?”
“Stacy, you did perfect. It feels as comfortable as my nightgown. (Kit turns around as she looks at herself in the mirror.) It fits a whole lot better though. Stacy, this dress is so unbelievably beautiful! It fits me perfect. Help me get out of it so I don’t mess it up. I’m going to grab a shower, eat, and brush my teeth. I’ll get dressed after that. Anybody seen Bobby?”
“The boys are trying to make him look respectable up at y’all’s place.”
“Hey, that’s my husband you’re talking about!”
“Not until after the wedding he’s not, and if you think that’s going to stop me from teasing him, think again!”
“Good, it keeps him humble.”
(knock)
“Who is it?”
“It’s Mark. I brought you girls up some breakfast before I go and try to help make Bobby look like he doesn’t belong in the zoo.”
“Bring it in. Nothing here you haven’t seen before.”
(Mark opens the door and starts walking in)
“Here you go ladies. I hope I made...Dammit, Stacy! Put some clothes on already, before this turns into a double wedding!”
(All the girls laugh)
“I’m wearing as much as Kit is right now!”
“Yeah, but Kit isn’t my girlfriend!”
“It’s not like you haven’t seen it before.”
“And I’ll see it again, but not right now! Here’s your food. I’m leaving before I get in trouble!” (Mark leaves and closes the door)
“He didn’t get quite as red as I thought he would.”
“Well, I told the truth. He has seen it before. In fact, this bra and these panties are the same ones I was wearing the first time he saw me like this in the hospital. I guess I shouldn’t have done that. There’s more than enough romance floating around here today to make it a problem.”
“Sure beats all the trouble that’s floated around here for the last year, though.”
“Amen to that! Tell you what, let’s eat while it’s hot, then I’ll go get my shower.”
“Good idea, Sister. You go first; we gotta’ keep your strength up for tonight.”
“What about your strength?”
“Not my night...yet. Now eat so you can get your shower. I’m going to be a while on your hair.”
(Kit’s old room, Noon)
“Stacy, can Erin and I have a few minutes with Kit?”
“Sure you can. I need to get downstairs anyway. (Stacy hugs Kit as she kisses her on the cheek.) “Sister, I’m so happy for you. You were always stunning as the Lady Kitty Elaine Johnston, but you are truly an angel as the Lady Kitty Elaine Jones. I was so afraid for you, but not anymore. Thank you for letting me be you and Kat’s sister.”
“I didn’t have to let you. Anastasia, you always were, and we are both grateful for your gift to us. (A single tear rolls down Kit’s cheek.) She mentioned you the day she passed. She made me promise to keep loving you as much as I love her and told me you love both of us as much as we love each other. She didn’t have to. I already knew how all three of us felt about each other. Bobby and I are both thankful to have our brother and sister stand up for us today.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“You didn’t need it before. I was saving it for when you needed it most. Mark knew. He was up here before any of you were this morning. We shared a cup of coffee like we did most mornings before I moved in with Bobby. We watched the sun come up this morning while we talked. There’s a lot you don’t know about me and Mark, but I’ll make sure that changes, today. I’ll tell him to tell you everything. There was never anything romantic between us like you and he have or like me and Bobby have. We never even considered it. What we do have is a bond much like you and I have. He and I have no secrets between us. You cried for hours last night. You feel like you are losing your sister. Mark told me this morning. You’re not. Things will change, but I promise you Sister, they’ll only change for the better between us. I belong to Bobby this weekend, but next week, you and I are going to spend a lot of time together. That won’t stop when the week’s over, either.”
“I have to go before we both start bawling. I love you, Sister.” (Stacy hurries out the door and closes it behind her.)
“Why are you two crying?”
“Because your Mom and I are just as close as you and Stacy, and have been since we were both younger than you. We have something for you.”
“I don’t need anything else.”
“You need this, Precious. You don’t have anything old yet.” (Erin hands Kit a plain, white box which Kit promptly opens.)
“Oh My God! It’s beautiful, Aunt Erin! Where did you get this!?!”
“It was your great grandmother’s. That belonged to Grandma Porter. Grandpa gave it to her the day before their wedding. We want you to have it.”
“Mom, put it on me please. I promise, I’ll give it back as soon as the wedding’s over.”
“No, you’ll give it forward when Eliza needs her something old. That brooch is a family heirloom. As the first of our daughters to marry, it’s yours until you pass it down to your first daughter to marry. The only condition we have is that whoever she is, she must be your daughter. She can be yours by birth or adoption, but not a foster.”
“I promise. The only other person I would pass it on to is Stacy. Thank you both.”
“You’re welcome. Just so you know, Stacy has her own heirloom waiting for her, but she doesn’t need to know that yet. We have to get going. Can’t have you be late to your own wedding!”
(Summer Kitchen, 1 PM)
(The wedding party has taken their places. Joey walks down the aisle with Kit’s wedding band on a pillow, and steps over, unplanned, to stand beside Bobby, right in front of Mark. Mark smiles, puts a hand on Joey’s shoulder, and nods to let him know he’s where he belongs. Tia spreads rose petals down the aisle as she weaves a little, looking back over her shoulder for Kit. She sits with her mother when she finishes.)
(Just outside the door)
“You ready, Precious?”
“Dad, I’ve been ready since July. In case things get too busy later, I love you and Mom. Thank you for making me your daughter.”
(The sound of the Wedding March, played on acoustic guitars, comes through the door.)
“Thank you for being our daughter and giving us your husband as a son. Let’s walk.”
(About halfway to Bobby) “Dad, wait.”
“Precious, what is it?”
(Kit saw Tia start to get up, only to be pulled back down by Betty. Kit holds out her hand and beckons Tia to her. Tia bolts to Kit’s side and takes her hand.) “I was missing a bridesmaid. I found her. Let’s go.”
(Everybody is smiling as Kit and Tia walk down the aisle, hand in hand, escorted by Brian.)
“Who gives this woman to wed?”
“All of her family and friends, with joyful hearts.”
“It is well. If any object to the union of this man and this woman, speak now, or forever hold your peace.”
(Utter silence)
“Bobby and Kitty, God ordained marriage as a sacred bond between a man and a woman. God spoke clearly of his desires for a marriage. Kitty, the Bible says that a woman is to submit to her husband and be a help appropriate for him. That submission is not to be born of fear, or of duty, but of love and trust. As Bobby’s wife, you wield great power. Kitty, you bear and will raise his children. You will be his closest mortal ally, second only to God. You will be his comfort in his sorrows. You will celebrate with him in his joys. You will be his defender from his fears. You will be his strength and his happiness. Your husband can be made or broken at your whim, do not betray him with that power.
“Bobby, those blessings from your wife come at a price. Trust and love are fragile things; you must protect and care for them. Without them, she cannot give you the gift of her submission, nor that of her help. She may love you and trust you and follow your lead, but it is voluntary. Kitty is every bit your equal. If you treat her as such, she will give her gifts to you freely and easily. If you do not, your greatest earthly treasures might well vanish before your very eyes.”
“I owe you both an apology. You both are so very young. I let my concerns for your youth blind me to the devotion you have for each other. I could not see past my fears for you, to recognize your strength and wisdom. I wronged you both with my doubts, and I am truly sorry. With the help of my wife, I see now that you both are ready.”
“Bobby, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Kitty, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“Oh yes. I do.”
“Bobby, do you have the ring?”
(Joey hands the ring to Bobby.)
“Yes, Sir.”
“Then place it on her hand.” (Bobby does.)
“By the power vested in me by God and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.” (Bobby and Kit enjoy a gentle, reserved kiss.)
“Not bad. I was afraid I was going to end up having to separate you two.”
“Craig, we’re saving our private celebration for when we’re in private. Thank you, my friend.”
“It was my pleasure. I have one request. I would like to have a dance with your blushing bride before the day is done.”
“I thought Baptists didn’t dance.”
“And I thought teenagers didn’t know how to behave. Looks like we both learned something today.”
“Ok by me, but you’ll have to ask her yourself. I’m her husband, not her owner.”
“Kit?”
“After I dance with Bobby, Dad, and Mark, I’m game. (Kit puts her hand on her stomach, grinning.) Think you can manage to keep up with two girls on the dance floor at the same time?”
“I’ll risk it. Go cut the cake so everybody can eat.”
(Later in the reception. Tennessee Waltz is playing.)
“Sister, do you mind if we cut in?”
“Ok, but if you steal Bobby, I’m keeping Mark.”
“Honey, I’m more worried about Mark stealing you. From what I hear, he’s a better kisser.”
“Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Don’t bet on it.”
“You can tell me about that one, later.”
“Maybe tomorrow. We’re both going to be a little too busy tonight.”
“Going for twins?”
“Shut up and dance with me, Mark.”
(As Stacy and Mark gently lead their partners to opposite sides of the floor.)
“How do you feel, big boy?”
“About like Mark does with you, ten feet tall and bulletproof.”
“Please don’t say that. Being shot’s about the only bad thing that hasn’t happened to Mark yet.”
“Good point. Try this, I feel like a king.”
“Better, and safer too. I guess those kisses for luck worked.”
“All of your kisses worked, but I liked the ones for me the best.”
“Bobby!”
“I didn’t mean it like that and you know it. You and Kit are the only girls who ever kissed me, well, except Mom and Tia, and they don’t count. We both know what you and I have together. Stacy, Sam and I are buddies. We’re closer now than we ever were before, but you and Mark are the best friends I’ll ever have. There’s never been any romance between you and me, just love.”
“And one black eye.”
“Stacy, I’m so sorry about that. I was…”
“That’s just it, you were. You’re not anymore. I just wanted to tease you a little. One thing about it, things might have gone a whole lot different for me and the boys if you hadn’t. Go easier on Eliza’s boyfriends though. None of them are likely to be as tough as I am.”
“HA! That’s probably true. How are you and Mark?”
“We’d have been better if this had been a double wedding.”
“Maybe. Y’all’s time will come. You know that promise ring you’re wearing?”
“Yeah?”
“Some folks call that a pre-engagement ring.”
“You just had to say that, didn’t you?”
“You know me, always trying to help.”
“I hate you. I love you, but I hate you.”
“You’ll be ok. Y’all will make it.”
“Just not soon enough. Since the twins were born, Mom and Dad have been making it a lot harder to ignore just how much I want Mark. I’m going to have to start wearing earplugs to bed.”
“Guess you could always move in with Mark.”
“Bobby, you’re not helping.”
(Meanwhile)
“Kit, you’re glowing, and not just because you’re pregnant.”
“Mark, I didn’t know if this day would ever come for me.”
“All it took was the right guy.”
“Yeah, and you found him for me. I never in a million years would have dreamed that Bobby was the one. You saw it right off, but I didn’t.”
“It wasn’t that hard. He told me he had a thing for you. It was part of the reason I wanted to give him another shot.”
“I’m not going to do it now because nobody here but Stacy and Bobby would understand, but I have a kiss for you later.”
“I’ll happily take it, but I still belong to Anastasia.”
“You better. No other girl could stand all of your endearing qualities.”
“My roguish good looks and sparkling personality are hard to resist too.”
“Smart ass. Seriously Mark, she loves you more than life itself. Mark, she knows about us. Tell her everything, and soon. When you’re done, send her to me so I can too.”
“We better hope she doesn’t skin both of us alive. You know that temper of hers.”
“For what? We’ve built the strongest bond a brother and sister can have. You don’t really think I’ll ever see you as ‘Uncle Mark’ do you? The only people we are any closer to are our lovers. We’ve never gone there and we both know we never will. There’s just nothing between us for that. It’s easy to resist the temptation when there isn’t any.”
“Wish there was a little less temptation between me and Anastasia. It’d be a lot easier to resist. You and Bobby are lucky. You two don’t have to anymore.”
“Mark, you don’t have to either. You two know how to keep from getting her pregnant, but you’ll be glad you did wait when it finally does happen. I think it makes it better.”
“Can we talk about anything else? What do you and Bobby need?”
“Right now? To be home alone.”
“You’re killin’ me, Kit. So what are you waiting for? It’s your wedding day, disappear.”
“The waiting, even for a few hours, makes it better. I do know that because we’ve done it.”
“Great! So a billion years from now when Stacy and I do it, we’re going to be so blissed out that we won’t be able to move for a year.”
“I can think of worse ways to spend a year.”
“So can I. Looks like Stacy is done with Bobby. Let’s get you two back together, just in case y’all decide to go someplace quieter...and turn up the volume.”
“Really, Mark?”
“Hey, I can’t help it that you take after Morgan. At least you aren’t as bad as Erin. Really Kit, everybody’s expecting it. Don’t forget, the honeymoon’s over Monday morning.”
“You may be onto something there.”
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Post by biggkidd on Jan 24, 2018 17:32:19 GMT -6
Thanks Again great story lovin it!
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Post by headlesshorseman on Jan 24, 2018 18:38:48 GMT -6
Great wedding. Thank you.
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Post by udwe on Jan 24, 2018 21:44:06 GMT -6
Awesome! Just kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop.
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Post by cutter on Jan 25, 2018 23:43:57 GMT -6
Here's your other shoe. Please enjoy.
Chapter 70
(Saturday, January 27, Bobby and Kit’s apartment, 10 PM)
“Welcome home, Mrs. Jones.”
“Why thank you, Mr. Jones. Now put me down.”
“Better?”
“I can’t believe you actually carried me over the threshold.”
“It’s tradition. Besides, I had to impress you somehow.”
“You don’t ever have to worry about that. I had a blast today, but it’s good to be home.”
“Tell me about it. My feet are killing me.”
“Your feet! Try dancing in three inch heels with a bowling ball in your belly!”
“Why in the world did you wear heels like that?”
“So you wouldn’t have to get on your knees to kiss me. Besides, they make my calves and butt look good, at least it would have if it wasn’t as wide as a house now.”
(Bobby gives Kit a playful swat on the butt, then takes her in his arms.)
“I know you think that, but let me tell you what all of us guys see. You have never been more beautiful than you are right now. What you see as fat, we see as a woman being all woman. You’re cute and curvy and as sexy as it gets. Kit, in about five weeks, you are going to make me a Dad. I can’t imagine how that will feel yet, but I want it more than I’ve ever wanted anything before. I want my wife in one arm and my daughter in the other. When I look at you, I see my wife and the mother of my children. It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
“Well, how about we get out of these clothes and in bed so you can see more of me?”
“What are you waiting for?”
“You. I can’t reach my zipper.”
“Well, turn around.”
“The last time you told me to do that in this room, I was terrified.”
“And now?”
I’m excited.”
(An hour later, Bobby and Kit cuddled up, sitting in the bed. Kit’s playing with her wedding band.)
“Bobby?”
“Wha? Sorry Honey, I guess I dozed off.”
“Never mind. Let’s go to sleep.”
“It’s ok, Honey. What were you going to say?”
“Where did you get my wedding ring?”
“Brian gave it to me this morning.”
“Brian gave it to you? I don’t understand.”
“Honey, that was your Grandma Siddah’s wedding ring. Brian and his brothers all wanted you to have it. He didn’t tell Jacob, but Brian told me their Dad’s ring is Jacob’s when he gets married. Keep the secret.”
“What secret? I don’t know nuthin’! I can’t believe they gave Grandma Siddah’s ring up to me. Dad and his brothers all miss their Mom and Dad so much.”
“They didn’t give it up; they passed it down to the only woman in the family that could use it.”
“What about Sonje? She and Jacob are getting married this summer.”
“Jacob’s blood kin, but Sonje is marrying into the family. You’re direct kin. That ring belongs on your finger, nobody else’s.”
“One day, one of our daughters will wear it. I know you said you didn’t need a ring, but I still feel bad.”
“Ring or no ring, I’m just as married to you. I can’t wear it at work anyway.”
“I’d still like you to have one for when you can wear it. I know money’s going to be tight with us just starting out, but can I save a little out of my check every week until we can buy you one? Please?”
“Kitty, you have the checkbook and you’re managing the money. You do what you want. If it’s that important to you, that’s what we’ll do.”
“It’s that important to me. I don’t like the way some of the girls at school are looking at you these days.”
“Humf! Let ‘em look. You got the guy. Even if I was looking for better, I’d never find her. Better than you doesn’t exist, and even if she did, she sure as Hell isn’t in Franklin High. I married the only woman I ever wanted. Well, that’s not quite true. My other woman will be here in a few weeks, but that’s different.”
“Just for that, I’m going to have to go for round two with you.”
“Tomorrow. I can’t do any more tonight.”
“I am SO glad you said that. I’m exhausted. Think you have the energy to hold me?”
“That I can do. Cuddle up Honey, and let’s get some sleep.”
(Meanwhile, in the summer kitchen. Stacy hands Mark a cup of hot chocolate.)
“It wasn’t big, but that was one epic party!”
“Thanks. Yeah it was. I’m glad it broke up when it did though. My back was starting to hurt more than the ibuprofen could knock down.”
“Well, neither one of us would come off the dance floor for love or money. My feet feel like they’re about to fall off! How’s your back now?”
“It hurts, but I can take it. Want me to rub those sore feet of yours?”
“No, they stink.”
“Kick your shoes off. I’ll be right back. (Mark gets two tea towels out of the cabinet and soaks one in warm water from the sink. He moves his chair around and sits back down.) Give me those stinky feet of yours.”
“No, they’re gross!”
“Give ‘em! Right here in my lap.” (Stacy puts her feet in Mark’s lap and he begins to wash them.)
“That feels SO good! Why do you pamper me like this?”
“Because I like to. You do it for me too. Give me the other one, then I’ll rub ‘em.”
“The wet heat from that towel is working wonders. You start rubbing them and I’m liable to fall asleep right here.”
“That’s ok too. You just relax and let me spoil you a little.”
(...)
“Anastasia?”
“Yes Lover?”
“Will you make love with me tonight?”
“Mark, you don’t mean that.”
“Yes, I do. Did you see how Kit and Bobby were looking at each other when they left? If it’s even half as good as they act like it is, I want it, and I want it with you. I thought that’s what you wanted too.”
“I do, but we can’t yet.”
“Why not? We know how to keep you from getting pregnant. Brian and Morgan are in bed for the night and your folks know you’re staying over. Nobody’s going to catch us.”
“It’s not that, Mark. I know you want me and I want you too, but we can’t do this yet. We’ve been through this before, just not going that far. I love you. It would be incredible, but you’d hate yourself after. I can’t do that to you. Mark, I want to fall asleep in your arms like I do whenever we sleep together, but I won’t make love with you tonight. I don’t want to, but I’ll sleep on the couch or go home before I’ll put you through what you’d do to yourself tomorrow if we did.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“No Lover, it’s alright. Mark, I’m flattered. I’m overwhelmed that you want me so much that you aren’t the one saying no right now. I can’t imagine what it took to push you far enough to ask me. It isn’t easy for me to tell you no. It never has been easy for me. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Mark, it’ll happen, but please, please, let’s wait until we’re both ready. When we do, I don’t want there to be any regrets for either of us.”
“I still can’t believe you told me no.”
“Tell you the truth, I can’t either. Mark, I want this more than you know, but you’re worth the wait.”
“I guess I’m glad one of us kept our head.”
“You ok now?”
“Yeah, I’m under control. Thanks.”
(Stacy comes over and sits in Mark’s lap.)
“The lights are off, there’s a fire in the fireplace, and nobody else is around. You know, just because we can’t go all the way doesn’t mean we can’t play.”
“You really think we can stop?”
“Yeah, I really think we can. I got this tonight. Kiss me and let’s see where it goes.”
“Thought you’d never ask.”
(Sunday, January 28, Mark’s bedroom, 5 AM)
“Good morning, Lover. Why are you staring at me?”
“You’re the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I know it can’t happen for a long time yet, but I wish I could wake up to you beside me every morning.”
“So do I. We’ll get there. How long have you been staring at me?”
“I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you since I woke up an hour ago. You never put your nightgown on last night.”
“I told you I’d do this again.”
“You realize I couldn’t have said no if I had wanted to last night.”
“I know, that’s why I did. Mark, I don’t want you to always have to be the one. I told you that.”
“I’m just glad you could.”
“You were depending on me. There wasn’t anything I couldn’t do for you.”
“I always depend on you.”
(Stacy touches Mark’s cheek and looks deep into his eyes.) “I know. I depend on you too. I love you, Timothy Markus. Go get your shower before I can’t say no anymore.”
(Meanwhile, in Bobby and Kit’s apartment)
“Do you want to go to church this morning, Honey?”
“No. I want to stay right here in your arms for a while, then have breakfast together out in the patio. God will understand.”
“I’ll be saying a prayer anyway. I have my girls and a lifetime to thank him for, and a whole lot more.”
“Darlin’ I heard you thanking Him for us last night.”
“You two are more than a one thank you blessing.”
“In that case, my talented husband, let me see if I can give you some more things to be thankful for…”
(Monday, January 29, Franklin High School, Lunch)
“Honey, are you ok?”
“My lower back has been hurting all morning and I feel crampy.”
“Do we need to get you to the doctor?”
“I don’t think so. Debbie said I’d start having more aches and pains as I got closer to my due date. The cramps are probably just those Braxton Hicks contractions. I’m not due for another five weeks.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I’ll be alright. I probably haven’t been drinking enough water today, that’s all.”
“Hey Bobby. You know, if your girlfriend had been smart enough to take the pill, she wouldn’t have got knocked up.”
“Brittney, shut the hell up and get out of my face. Just go away.”
“AAAAGGG!”
“Kit!”
“Bobby, something’s wrong! That was a real contraction! Call Mom!”
“MR. BAUER!”
“What’s wrong with her?”
“Mr. Bauer, call an ambulance! Kit’s going into labor five weeks early! Hurry!”
“But…”
“No buts, call the ambulance now!”
(Bobby cell phone)
“What’s wrong, Bobby?”
“Morgan, call Brian and get to the hospital, right now! Kit’s starting labor. We’ve got an ambulance on the way. Call Debbie. Hurry, Morgan! It’s too soon!”
“I’m on it! Can you get her to the hospital safe?”
“I’ll take care of my wife; you call Debbie and Brian and get yourselves to the hospital!”
“Wife? Bullshit!”
“I married her Saturday, Brittney. Move before I move you! Go away!”
“What’s going on there, Bobby?”
“Nothing important. Do what I told you!”
“I’ll call Debbie first. We’ll get there as soon as we can.” (Click)
“Kit just try to relax. The ambulance is on its way. Everything’s going to be ok.”
“It’s too early, Bobby! Eliza’s not ready yet! Oh my God, Bobby!”
“Kitty, you have to calm down. I know you’re scared, but getting upset is only going to make it harder on you. I’ll get you to the hospital.”
“Bobby…”
“Jen, you and Jess get her out of here before I kill her!”
“Take care of our girl! Brittney, you can walk or we can drag you. Your choice.” (Brittney runs away. Jen and Jessica follow to make sure she stays gone and doesn’t stir up any trouble.)
“Alan, help me lay her down on the floor. Grab my jacket for her head.”
(As they ease Kit to the floor so she can lie down) “Bobby, I’m so scared! Eliza’s lungs aren’t ready! Her little bones won’t take the beating of being born yet! The blood vessels in her little brain aren’t strong enough yet! I can’t lose her, Bobby!”
(Bobby kneels beside Kit. She holds his hand in a death grip as she looks at him in terror.) “Kitty, you have to calm down. God didn’t give Eliza to us just to take her away now. Debbie will know what to do. It’ll be alright.”
“I’ve lost Daddy! I’ve lost Kat! I can’t lose her too! Bobby, I can’t lose her too!”
“You won’t. Hold it together, Kitty. I’m here. Just look at me and breathe. It’s all going to be ok. Our Eliza is going to be ok and so are you. I finally got you. I’m not going to give you up now. Hold on for us, Kitty.”
“Bobby, the ambulance will be here in two minutes.”
“Clear the halls. They have to be able to get in here quick and get her out.”
“Alan, give me her purse, then go help Mr. Bauer clear the halls.”
“Here. You’re going to be ok, Kit. You’re a survivor.” (Alan goes to help Mr. Bauer.)
“Bobby, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“Kitty, it’s going to be alright. Hold on, Kitty. Just hold on for us.”
“Son, get out of the way. We need to get her on the gurney.”
“I’m coming with you.”
“Sorry son, only family, no boyfriends.”
“I’m her husband. One way or another, I’m coming with you.”
“Sir, he is her husband.”
“Whatever! Move your ass, boy! We aren’t waiting for you!”
(In the ambulance)
“How far are you along?”
(Kit is sobbing and can’t answer)
“Girl, you have to help us here!”
“She’s thirty-five weeks along. Her due date is March 5th.”
“Shit! Do you know how far apart her contractions are?”
“She’s only had one. (Bobby looks at his watch.) About twelve minutes ago.”
“What’s her name?”
“Kitty.”
“Ok Kitty, you’re in preterm labor. At thirty-five weeks, that isn’t near as bad as it could be. We’re getting you to the hospital as fast as we can. Everything’s going to be alright. Son, are you two really married?”
“My name’s Bobby and yes sir. We got permission from a judge and our parents. We got married Saturday.”
“Kids having kids! Bobby, do you have any idea how dangerous it is for you to have gotten her pregnant at her age?”
“I didn’t; she was raped. Her rapist is dead. We got married before Eliza was born so I would be her Daddy. Mister, take care of my wife and daughter.”
“I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion. We’ll take care of her. It’s going to be ok.”
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Post by freebirde on Jan 26, 2018 7:41:48 GMT -6
Cliffs Use Throughout These Enjoyed 'Ritings.
Now I know why you chose your name. Thank you for continuing to give us this story.
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Post by headlesshorseman on Jan 26, 2018 8:43:54 GMT -6
I am hoping Eliza just got impatient to meet her Dad.
I am happy to see that Mark and Stacy are still being successful at being strong one at the time.
Thank you for the Moar.
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