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Post by papaof2 on Sept 18, 2017 20:37:14 GMT -6
Mark is President. Stacy is VEEP. One girl is Senate majority leader. Other is Chair(wo)man of the Joint Chiefs. ;-)
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Post by cutter on Sept 18, 2017 21:36:53 GMT -6
You know, Cutter, that we're now expectin' at least RTR Vol. LV out of this series, don't you.? Keep up the good work and we may let you slow down 'bout then. Thanks for the good stuff. I can see it now Mark and Stacy's Great Grand Kids Save the World! What was the ages of the two little girls? I had them at about seven for Mindy and five for Jamie. Jamie panicked on the assent and dropped her mouthpiece and took on water. Todd had no choice but to drop the spare tank and get them topside fast. By the way, Todd and Sarah are in bed right now, not practicing for the honeymoon. Sarah is using the girls for a little leverage to help Todd see his worth. One of his demons is dying a slow, agonizing death as we speak.
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Post by cutter on Sept 18, 2017 21:44:06 GMT -6
Mark is President. Stacy is VEEP. One girl is Senate majority leader. Other is Chair(wo)man of the Joint Chiefs. ;-) That sounds like something Jerry B. Young or Patience would do. I refuse to write a hundred year storyline....I think. The North to Alaska series went what, six generations? I don't know how many The Slow Road to TEOTWAWKI went, but it was a bunch. As I remember, it covered a hundred years or maybe two hundred. I don't know if I have enough chocolate and coffee to keep my muse wired for that long.
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Post by cutter on Sept 18, 2017 21:59:17 GMT -6
On my way to RTR Vol. higher than I can count. Here's the next one, enjoy.
Chapter 11
“Who’s that screamin’ crazy lady?”
“That’s my girlfriend. Her name is Sarah. She usually doesn’t act like that, but she was really scared that something bad was going to happen to me.”
“TODD! TODD!”
“Todd, give me the girls. Sarah’s insane with worry.”
“Girls, this is Val, she’s a friend of mine.”
“Sorry Mr. Todd. I wasn’t tryin’ to be mean.”
“I know you weren’t, and she is acting kinda’ crazy. Would you mind if Miss Val held you for a few minutes so I can go calm her down?”
“No sir, it’s just nice to be held.”
“Thanks girls; thanks Val.” (Todd goes to Sarah)
“TODD! (Sarah holds Todd , afraid to let go) Oh God, Todd! You went under the water and you were down there so long and I couldn’t see you and I thought something went wrong and I thought you DROWNED and I thought I lost you I was so afraid..”
“Belle. (Todd lifts Sarah’s chin to look her in the eyes) Belle, I’m ok. I’m alright. I’m here. I’m safe. We’re together Belle, we’re both safe. Come with me; there’s a couple of young ladies I want you to meet…..Sarah, this is Mindy and this is Jamie. They are two incredibly brave girls and I am very proud to know them. Girls, this is my crazy girlfriend, Sarah.”
“But she’s not actin’ crazy now, Mr. Todd.”
“Yeah, but she’s still my girlfriend. That by itself makes her crazy.”
“That’s not nice, Mr. Todd!”
“It’s ok girls. He’s just tellin’ the truth. He does drive me crazy, all the time, but I love him anyway. Are you girls warm enough? Do you want anything?”
“M.Miss S.Sarah, I’m still sh.shivery and h.hungry too.”
“ERIC,COME HERE.”
“Yeah, Sarah?”
“Here’s $20, go get two happy meals and two hot chocolates from Micky D’s for the girls. Hurry up!”
“Yes Ma’am!”
“You didn’t have to do that Miss Sarah.”
“No, but I wanted to. You girls have been through enough. Anything I can do to make it a little better or a little easier for you, I want to do.”
“Thanks. Miss Val, thanks for holdin’ us, but can we have Mr. Todd back?”
“Todd?”
“Bring ‘em on. I’m glad to have their snuggles.” (Todd hugs them both to him as he begins to rock them unconsciously. Both girls doze off)
(Quietly) “You’re good with them, Honey.”
“They’re good for me. I wish I could have saved their parents.”
“Honey, you did the best you could. You could only get here so fast.”
“I could have been in the water when their car went over and it wouldn’t have mattered. Belle, they were already dead when their car started falling. Best as I can tell, their car somehow flipped over before it hit the barrier rail. That rail caught the car just above the windshield and crushed the front of the cab in, killing both the girls’ parents instantly. Thankfully, by the time those folks figured out they were hurt, they were already in Heaven. They didn’t suffer. I wish I could say that these little ones aren’t going to suffer, but I know they will.”
(Sleepily) “We’ll be ok, Mr. Todd. Jesus will make it hurt less, and Aunt Trisha will take care of us.”
“Todd, wrecker’s here. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Sarah? Val?”
“Give the girls to us. Todd, I’m ok now, but still be careful.”
(Marshall back porch, 7 PM)
“Ok Brian, we’re all here. What’s this big secret you want to talk about?”
“Well, Morgan and I were wondering if Kit’s happy here.”
“Are you kidding, Dad? I love it here!” “Then I guess the next question is if Mark’s ok with you being here.”
“What’s wrong with you? Of course I’m good with her being here! I’m the one who told you to foster her in the first place!”
“Then there’s only one question left to answer. Does anybody here have any objection to Morgan and I adopting Kit?”
“Yeah, I have an objection. I object to how long it took you to get around to this!”
“Shut up, Mark. Kit, what do you say?”
“This can’t be real.”
“Precious, it’s real; but just like when we first met, the choice is yours. We desperately want to adopt you, but we won’t force this on you. You can say no with no fear; we will still foster you with happy hearts.”
“Mom, I want to be you and Dad’s real daughter more than anything. Please, adopt me?”
“Would you like for us to see if we can adopt Kat posthumously?”
“No Dad, she was still Daddy’s daughter when she died. She should stay Daddy’s. I’ll be your daughter if this goes through, I should carry your name. Kat and I will always be sisters, no matter what our last names are. Make me a Marshall and let Kat stay a Johnston. I do want to know one thing. Like Mark said, why’d you wait so long? Were you making up your mind?”
“Precious, Brian and I didn’t tell anybody this, not even Mark; but when we first decided we wanted to be foster parents, we decided we only wanted to foster children we could see ourselves adopting. Mark believes you belong in this family and we trust him. When we met you, we believed you belong in this family too.”
“But you said it was my choice and you would be happy to still be my foster parents if I said no.”
“And we meant that. You might not have been sure we were who you wanted. You might have been unwilling to give up your family name that you share with your Dad and sister. You might have just been plain old uncomfortable with committing to any family after being hurt so badly, so many times. How you feel about it doesn’t change how we feel. You asked me that first night in the hospital what I would call you other than Kit. Do you remember what I told you?”
“You said, ‘Mine, but that’ll take a little time.’ Is this what you meant?”
“Yes. I knew the first time I laid eyes on you that I wanted you for my own daughter. You weren’t as sure about us. I didn’t know your backstory then, but I do now. Your mother left you and your sister and your Dad for a fool’s reasons. Your Dad, who loved the two of you above everything else in this world, had passed away. You and Kat had been all either of you had for three years. You had just lost her that very day. You were in a hellishly dark place in your heart and mind. You needed the time. You needed time to figure out for yourself where you stood and who we are. We waited until after Kat’s funeral so you wouldn’t feel guilty about being happy and sad at the same time. You needed to do right by Kat before you could deal with this.”
“Not just you and Dad, all of you gave me everything I needed and more. All of you gave me everything I wanted, and more. I wish Kat could have shared this with us, but I never dreamed I would ever be here again. I thought the next time I had a real family, would be when I married and had children of my own. I don’t know if that will ever happen, but I have a real family now. (Kit hugs Morgan and Brian, then goes to Mark. She gently lays both hands on his shoulders and kisses him on the cheek.) You and Stacy gave me a second chance to live. Because of you, I have a real family again. All that I will ever be, everything I will ever do; I owe to you. Thank you.”
“Kit, you still have much to learn. Nothing is owed, on either side. This is what family does. We take care of our own.”
“I know. I will live by those words, until God calls me home.”
“Kit, all the paperwork has been done. Sarah, Karen, and Val worked like dogs to push everything through fast. All that is left is to file the papers with the court and have the formal hearing. There is a chance that the judge will deny us, but it’s not likely. We happen to go way back with the judge in question and he has a good bit of experience with this family. Would you like to tell Sarah of your decision, or would you like us to do it?”
“I want to do it if that’s ok with you.”
“Sounds right to me.”
“Can I tell her now?”
“I don’t see why not. It would probably be best; you look like you’ll burst if you don’t tell somebody.”
“Mark, will you go with me?”
“Go with you?”
“I need to do this in person.”
“Let’s go.”
“Will you help me talk Stacy into going with us too?”
“I don’t think I’ll have to. She will want to be with you for that. Let’s go.”
“Mom, Dad, we’re taking the gator. We’ll be back. Mark, you’re driving; I’m too shook up about this.”
“Let’s go. Call Stacy and tell her to be ready. Just for fun, don’t tell her why until we get there.”
“Ok.”
“Safe travels, guys.”
(Todd and Sarah’s)
“Here Honey, drink this.”
Geez! I can smell it from here! There’s enough bourbon in that to knock an elephant on it’s ass!”
“There’s only two shots in it. You’re still wound so tight I could play you like a banjo. This will help you relax but I know full well it isn’t enough to get you drunk. Besides, I’ll have supper ready in a few minutes. Food will keep the alcohol in check.”
“You’re right, on all counts. Thanks.”
(KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK)
“What in the Hell!?!”
“SARAH! TODD! IT’S KIT! OPEN UP!”
“I think that’s the sound of good news from Brian and Morgan’s house. Come on in, guys! I’m guessing you have some good news for us, Kit.”
“Aunt Sarah! Uncle Todd! Brian and Morgan are going to adopt me! I’m gonna’ be a Marshall!”
“Why didn’t you tell me!?!”
“Surprise, Sister!”
(Todd gets up and hugs Kit) “Welcome to the family!”
“You got your new leg! You’re walking normal!”
“Almost, I’m still using a cane until I get used to it.”
“Todd, let’s step outside a minute and let the girls talk.”
(Outside)
“Todd, you’re drinking. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong.”
“I’m your brother; don’t lie to me.”
“Mark, nothing’s wrong, really. Pete called me in to do a dive recovery today. A car went over the bridge and into the lake on Scottsville Road. We all thought I’d be recovering bodies. When I got down there, I found two little girls who were still alive and breathing from an air pocket in the car. By God’s good graces, I got to deliver two little girls, alive, to their aunt and uncle today. Their parents were killed instantly in the crash. They didn’t have time to know they were hurt before they died. Mark, there was a lot of sadness there today, but God made me good for something again. Sarah poured me a drink because I’m still wired about it. I found out today that I’m still worth something.”
Todd, you were always good, for a lot of things. You never stopped being worth something. You’re a good brother and a good man. Todd, Sarah’s lucky. You’re going to be a great husband and father. She couldn’t have ever found better.”
“You’re a pretty good brother yourself, Munchkin. Let’s go back in and celebrate with the girls.”
“...I’ll file the papers with Judge Phillips tomorrow. It’ll probably take a couple of weeks for a court date. Todd, everything ok?”
“Yeah, everything’s just about perfect.”
“Aunt Sarah, it’s gettin’ dark; we better get home.”
“Call me when you get home so I know y’all made it ok.”
“We will. See y’all later.”
“Safe travels.”
(Waters homestead)
“Goodnight, Love. See you tomorrow.”
“Mark, what’s wrong with you? Kiss. Your. Girlfriend!”
“If you insist.” (Mark lays a real kiss on Stacy.)
“Wow! I felt that all the way to my toes! Mark, I can’t handle you doing that too often!”
“This is a special occasion. Wait till you and the boys’ adoption is done. I’m gonna’ give you a real kiss then.”
“Then WHAT was THAT?”
“Practice.”
“Mark, whatever you do, if you kiss me like that again, don’t ask me to do anything you aren’t sure you want me to do. No will not be an option for an answer.”
“This could be fun. See you tomorrow. Oh hey, do you know how to fix fish?”
“Never tried to. I know you do, so why are you asking?”
“Thought we might all go fishing tomorrow. Maybe we can catch lunch.”
“I’m game for that and the boys will love it. How about you, Kit?”
“I haven’t fished since before Daddy died. Let’s do it!”
“OK! Kit and I will be here at six to pick y’all up, so be ready. I’ll fix us breakfast up at the pond.”
“Why so early?”
“You have to catch ‘em before they get in school.”
“That was a terrible joke.”
“Then why’d you laugh?”
“Because it was funny. Go home and call Sarah before she sends Todd out to find us.”
“Ok.”
(Back Porch, Marshall homestead)
“I’m going in to tell Mom and Dad we’re back. Call Sarah and tell her everybody made it home ok. Stay out here; I want to talk to you in private.”
“I’ll call Sarah and wait for you here.”
(......)
“We may be a while. I brought us coffee.”
“This sounds serious. How worried should I be?”
“I think the question is how worried should I be after we talk. Mark, I know what you said to Troy about me being family and him being second place. I know very well how protective you are of me and Stacy. I need you to listen. I need you to talk with me. Above all else, I need you to not lose your temper. Mark, I really need your advice, but I need you to keep your cool and I’m begging you, never tell a soul what we talk about, not even Stacy. Will you do that for me?”
“Kit, I don’t know if I can make that promise. I assume this is about you and Troy?”
“Yes. Please Mark, you’re who I need to talk to. I’d talk to Stacy, but she can’t help me. I need somebody that can see things from Troy’s place.”
“Did you two have sex?”
“No.”
“Was he feeling you up again?”
“Yes.”
“Kit, I won’t say anything to anybody, yet. If you two keep going like this, I’m not going to have a choice. Kit, you’re both way too easy about this. You keep going and sooner or later, you’ll go too far. If your timing is off, even just a little, you end up pregnant. I used to like Troy, but I no longer believe he’s willing to stand by you like he should. I’m not ready to give up on him yet, but right now, I think he’d run if you got pregnant. Weren’t you listening at all when Stacy told you what would happen if you did? With Brian and Morgan adopting you, there might be other options; but none of them are all that good. Kit, you and Troy are playing an even more dangerous game than Stacy and I are. We are probably pushing our limits, but you and Troy are on your way to bulldozing right through yours. You two have to get it together. This is probably going to hurt your feelings and I hope I’m wrong, but I’m starting to have serious doubts about whether Troy loves you. I’m starting to wonder if he’s just in it for a roll in the hay.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Troy and I had a huge fight today. He said some really hateful things to me and left without even kissing me goodbye. Mark, it was through my clothes, but he was playing high and low with me. I understand what you and Stacy were trying to tell us now. I wanted to, but it felt so good I couldn’t actually say the words to tell him to stop. I couldn’t make my hands move to stop him. If his Mom hadn’t showed up when she did, I don’t know what would have happened. I told his Mom that he needed to go home. I didn’t say it, but he understood that I meant so he would take his hands off me. Mark, what do I do?”
“Stand your ground. If he won’t quit, you need to cut him loose. I know Troy is one of us, but he’s not acting like it with you. None of the rest of us treat each other that way.”
“To be fair, you and Stacy are the only other ones of us that are paired up. Y’all’s self control is a freak of nature. Stacy and I are really close, so we talk. We don’t get into all the dirty little details, but we talk, a lot. She told me how hard it is for you two. She told me how crazy you make each other. She also told me that you are her rock; you are the reason she can stop. How do I get Troy to be more like you?”
“If I knew that, I would have already told you. What are you going to do?”
“I don’t want to give up on him yet. I think Stacy’s right. I don’t think he respects me, at least not enough, but I still love him. I don’t want to cut him loose. Mark, I don’t know if I can.”
Kit, you know what you need him to do. You know what you have to do if he doesn’t. A broken heart is easier to heal than a broken life. I wish I had the answers for you to fix this the way you want it, but I don’t. You and Troy are the only ones who can fix it. Please Kit, be careful.”
“Why can’t he be more like you?”
“I’m nothing special; I just know what’s important to me.”
“He may know what’s important to him too; that’s what worries me. Mark, thanks for listening. You helped me.”
“Wish I could do more. When are you going to tell him?”
“About keeping his hands to himself? The next time I talk to him. I hate it, but he’s going to have to make a choice.”
“Good. I meant when are you going to tell him you’re getting adopted?”
“When I know I can trust him again.”
“I’m sorry, but did it ever occur to you that not being able to trust your boyfriend is a good indication that he’s bad for you?”
“All the time; I just don’t want to believe it. Let’s call it a night.”
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Post by papaof2 on Sept 18, 2017 22:39:43 GMT -6
Mark is President. Stacy is VEEP. One girl is Senate majority leader. Other is Chair(wo)man of the Joint Chiefs. ;-) That sounds like something Jerry B. Young or Patience would do. I refuse to write a hundred year storyline....I think. The North to Alaska series went what, six generations? I don't know how many The Slow Road to TEOTWAWKI went, but it was a bunch. As I remember, it covered a hundred years or maybe two hundred. I don't know if I have enough chocolate and coffee to keep my muse wired for that long. We might consider a "Chocolate and caffeine for Cutter's muse" page at GoFundMe...
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Post by gipsy on Sept 19, 2017 6:32:26 GMT -6
I have some Givalia I can contribute
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Post by headlesshorseman on Sept 19, 2017 10:13:45 GMT -6
Mark is President. Stacy is VEEP. One girl is Senate majority leader. Other is Chair(wo)man of the Joint Chiefs. ;-) That sounds like something Jerry B. Young or Patience would do. I refuse to write a hundred year storyline....I think. The North to Alaska series went what, six generations? I don't know how many The Slow Road to TEOTWAWKI went, but it was a bunch. As I remember, it covered a hundred years or maybe two hundred. I don't know if I have enough chocolate and coffee to keep my muse wired for that long. A Slow Boat to TEOTWAWKI covered from 2005 through 2435. It was the characters fault. The Slow Invasion carried on until 4500. Keep on writing your way. All styles can be fun to read. Only your own style of writing will be fun for you to write.
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Post by cutter on Sept 20, 2017 20:09:12 GMT -6
My muse was picking on two of my favorite kids today. Maybe I need to feed it milk chocolate instead of dark...yuck! Maybe I should have stopped at two cups of coffee, but my alarm clock went off way too early this morning. Oh well, at least supper promises to be a real treat for the clan. You guys enjoy this one and I'll get started on the next chapter.
Chapter 12
(Friday, June 2, 4:30 AM, Kit’s bedroom, Phone)
(half asleep) “Wha? Who is this?”
“Kit, it’s Mark. I called because I’m still not sure I can handle that many steps. Time to get up. We have fish to catch.”
“Have me coffee ready when I get down there or you’re dead.”
“Already perked and poured, with some honey to sweeten you up, ya’ grouch.”
“Keep it up and I’ll tell Stacy we spent half the night alone together on the back porch.”
“Go ahead; I’ll reserve you a room at the hospital for when she’s done with you. Now quit whining and get moving!” (Click)
(Mark, second call)
“Mark, what’s wrong!?!”
“Other than Kit’s definitely not a morning person? Nothing’s wrong, it’s time to get up so we can go fishing.”
“Love, it’s 4:30 in the morning; the fish aren’t awake yet.”
No, but you still have to get the boys moving and all of you dressed and teeth brushed. Kit and I will be loaded and at your house, with breakfast, by 5:30 if I have to drag her by her hair. We’ll head to the pond and have breakfast there. Be ready when we get there.”
“You sure are bein’ bossy this morning!”
“I take spending time with my girlfriend and my fishin’ real serious.”
“Oh, well that’s different. I love you too. We’ll be ready. Bye.” (click)
“Can’t believe you woke me up at 4:30 in the morning to go fishin’! You’re worse than Daddy was, at least he waited till five!”
“Sit down. Coffee, honey, milk, OJ, cinnamon roll; enjoy. I’m gonna’ go get the gator and load up.”
“How can you be this happy at this hour?”
“I’ve been awake since 3:30. I’ve already had two cups of coffee and I’m looking forward to spending the day with Stacy, the boys, and you; doing something I enjoy. I have a lot to be happy about.”
“Come here...bend down here. (Kit kisses Mark lightly on the lips) Thanks for including me in your list.”
“Kit, you’re always on my list of favorite things. It’s not the same as me and Stacy, but I love you dearly. I’d give my life, or take one, to defend you. I’d do anything except turn on God or the rest of our family for you. Now, poke that down your throat and then come help me load up; we’re running late!”
“Mornin’ Mark! Hope y’all have good luck today!”
“Me too. If we have a good enough run, we might have a family fish fry tonight.”
“That’d be great! Y’all be careful; I got to get moving.”
(At the campsite next to the pond, just as it’s starting to not be dark)
“Come on guys, wake up; the fish are waiting for us!”
“Stacy, I may have to kill your boyfriend.”
“I may have to help you. Mark, I can barely see the pond.”
“That’s why I’m going to light this lantern and get breakfast out. By the time we’re done eating, the sun will be coming up.”
“I’ll get breakfast out if you’ll start a fire; it’s a little chilly.”
“That sounds like a really great idea. Let’s let the boys sleep until we have everything ready.”
“You’re not letting us sleep.”
“Neither of you are eight or nine years old. Get busy.”
“Damn, he’s bossy!”
“Yeah, but he kisses good.”
“If you say so; I didn’t think it was anything special.”
“You kissed Mark!?!”
“Yeah, this morning, a little one; but he didn’t kiss back.”
“Good thing. What would you do if I kissed Troy?”
“Slap the shit outa’ you for being so stupid. Mark’s a better man than Troy on his worst day.”
“Something tells me you and I need to have a little girl talk later.”
“Probably a good idea, but not now.”
(...)
“Mark, how did you con Mom into making all this for us?”
“He didn’t; he cooked this himself.”
“What!?! How do you know that?”
“Because we’ve both been eating each other’s cooking ever since we got together. He’s taught me a lot. The last time I had this breakfast, he cooked it on a fire, right here on that fire ring. The only real difference is that he basically served me breakfast in bed, well sleeping bag, that time...oh, and the cinnamon rolls.”
“Where did you learn how to treat women?”
“Mom and Dad at first. Dad was always doing little things for Mom. She cooked, so he set the table and washed the dishes. Didn’t take long for us to get our first dishwasher. She always listened to the radio and loved to dance. It wasn’t anything to see Dad just grab her with no warning and them start waltzing in the living room. That kiss on the neck thing you like so much, Anastasia? I learned that from watching Mom and Dad. Dad was always looking for something, anything, he could do to bring a smile to her face. When I went to live with Jacob, I learned quite a bit more. Jacob’s single, but he isn’t a saint. He has a real serious girlfriend. She stays over sometimes. One of his favorite things to do is to spoil her when she’s with him. Breakfast in bed usually meant they were going to be in the bedroom for an hour or two doing everything but eating breakfast, the food was for after. Sonje is a truly attractive woman. She’s pretty, but not drop dead gorgeous. What’s inside is where she really shines. She has a kind and gentle soul, coupled with a fierce devotion to the people and things that are important to her. It was so funny it was almost painful to watch when they started dating. Jacob was hooked, but he made a big deal out of the fact that we were a package deal. Sonje finally told him she wouldn’t have it any other way. She was always very good to me. She’s good to Jacob too.”
“So that’s what you were after, an hour or two in the sack with me?”
No, if that’s what I’d been after, I could have gotten it with a lot less work than fixing breakfast. What I WAS after, and got, was to show you that I enjoy making you happy.”
“Love, you don’t ever have to work at that.”
“Sun’s coming up, think we should wake the boys up again and do some fishing?”
“Let’s give them a little longer. I love having them around, but big kid time is nice too.”
“You ok, Kit? Looks like you have something on your mind.”
“Just thinking.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“It’s a lot of things. I was thinking about Kat. I miss her, but I’m not really that sad. I know she’s really home now and even though she’s gone, I’m not alone. I’m sitting here watching you two together and wondering if I will ever find someone that makes me as happy as you make Stacy. I’m thinking about how I do love Troy, but I’m having a hard time imagining a future with him. I try to look ahead to when we are out of school and I can’t see a life, just sex and arguments and the occasional good day. Since I’ve known you, I’ve only seen you and Stacy have two bad days. You’ve had hard days, even heartbreaking days, but only two bad ones, and you worked it out. Mark, I never apologized to you and I never thanked you.”
“For what? You’ve never done anything to me.”
“Yes I did. I told you to go to hell. I told you that you are no better than Bobby Jones. I told you I lost respect for you. I was so wrong about you. The closest thing to right I said was that you are not the best of us. You and Stacy together are the best of us. When you really needed me, I gave you nothing but grief. I let you down and I’m sorry.”
“You did apologize to me for that. I’m not keeping score and neither should you.”
“Mark, I slapped you. At least I didn’t punch you. Mark, I’m sorry about that too and I never thanked you for not knocking me flat on my ass over it.”
“I had it coming. I said some things I regret too. I’m sorry too. As far as slapping me, about the only thing I didn’t do was hand you an engraved invitation to do it. I deserved it. Let’s leave this whole thing in the past where it belongs. I think you have enough trouble right now without dragging that baggage along.”
“Wait. You slapped Mark? When did you slap Mark?”
“When I was being a retard the day I got home from the hospital and wouldn’t talk to you. I was trying to push you away because I didn’t want to cause problems between you and Noah. Your favorite fake sister here tried to put me in my place. When I wouldn’t listen to her, she took a more direct approach. I asked for it.”
“What did you do?”
“Sister, you don’t need to know. Leave it alone.”
“But”
“No buts. I told you that night, Mark wasn’t thinking straight. He said a lot of things he didn’t mean and a lot more that were just plain wrong. If you trust him, leave it alone. If you don’t trust him, let him go. I do trust him and want a man just like him. Don’t stir up trouble with the man who loves you more than anybody but God.”
“You sound like Mom and Dad.”
“And Brian and Morgan.”
“Then for pity’s sake, listen to me. Have those four ever done you wrong?”
“No, they haven’t. Mark, wake up the boys; we have a fish dinner to catch for everybody. One thing, me and the boys have never been fishing. We don’t know how.”
“You will.”
(At the pond, Noon, Mark’s phone)
“Mark Marshall.”
“Mark, it’s Bobby. You said to call you today.”
“Yeah, hold on just a sec. Guys, I gotta’ take this call. I’ll be back in a little while. (At the campsite, away from the rest.) Sorry about that. How you holdin’ up?”
“I guess I’m ok. Thanks for not throwin’ me out Wednesday.”
“You were here for a good reason. You weren’t looking for trouble and you didn’t bring any with you. I had no cause to throw you out. You coming up to Boomer’s on Sunday afternoon for his open house?”
“I’d love to, but I’m banned, remember?”
“I’ll talk to Boomer today and let you know tonight.”
“Mark, why are you doing this? I know you’re settin’ me up, but I don’t know what for.”
“I’m doin’ this because I promised you I would; we shook hands on it. Dad taught me that my word is my bond, that a handshake is a deal. I keep my promises. As long as you do, we’ll manage something good between us. Hell Bobby, I hope I was wrong Wednesday. I want to be able to trust you and I hope we can manage to become friends. Most of that is on you, but it can only be good for both of us if we can pull it off. I said I’d give you another shot and I will.”
“You might, but I don’t see anybody else doing that.”
“If you do what you say you are trying to do, then it’s their loss. Let’s just worry about you and me and Stacy and Kit and Sam and Skyler. I think if the six of us can manage to get along, you’ll have a good start.”
“What about Troy? I really don’t see him bein’ all happy about me hangin’ with you guys.”
“It’s not any of your business why, but I really don’t care what Troy wants right now. I’m done with him if he doesn’t get his shit together, and I mean soon. Listen, I was right in the middle of something when you called, but I’m glad you did. I need to get back at it, but I’ll call Boomer today and let you know before supper time tonight.”
“I still don’t know what you’re up to, but I don’t guess I have much to lose.”
“Bobby, trust is earned. It takes time. You do what you say and I’ll do what I say and we’ll get there. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Later.” (Click)
(..)
“Who was that, Love?”
“Bobby Jones.”
“Why’s he calling you? What did he want?”
“He wants a second chance. He called me because I told him to call me.”
“You told him to call you!?! Why? When?”
“Yes, I did. He came to the funeral home Tuesday. I didn’t know it until Kit told us at the funeral, but he came to pay his respects and try to offer Kit some comfort. He showed up here for the funeral and I called him out. He told me he only came for Kat’s funeral and didn’t want any trouble. He kept his word. Stacy, Kit, he told me he’s trying to change his ways and I’m starting to believe him. It doesn’t do anybody any good for him to keep being an asshole. As long as he’s trying to change, I’m going to do what I can to help him. He could use your help too.”
“It’s true, he didn’t start any trouble at the funeral and he really was upset at the funeral home. He was very gentle with me when he put his hand on my shoulder and he was trying so hard not to cry that his voice broke when he told me he was sorry. He never pushed or asked me for anything. He was kind. When I didn’t say anything to him right away, he just hung his head and left. He looked like he just lost his best friend. I wasn’t trying to be mean; I honestly was so surprised that I was speechless. I never got the chance to talk to him and explain. I feel really bad about that.”
“Depending on what Boomer says when I call him, you may get your chance Sunday afternoon.”
“You are seriously going to ask Boomer to let him come back, after he punched me in the eye and you stomped his fat ass into the carpet there!?! You are seriously going to give him a second chance after what he did to me, to us!?!”
“I am, and you should too. If he doesn’t give you a reason to keep holding a grudge, what good does it do you?”
“It keeps me from getting knocked on my ass again! I can’t freaking believe you!”
“Well, that’s what I’m going to do. You do whatever you want, but don’t come crying to me if he really is trying to become a decent man and you miss out on a good thing because of that temper of yours. Your temper usually serves you well, but I think you’re fixin’ to make a mistake this time. I suggest you talk to Erin about this before you come all unglued on me.”
“You’re the one making a mistake here! I can’t believe you! I cannot freaking believe you!”
“Anastasia, let’s talk about this later, when we are alone.”
“Fine!”
“Guys, this cooler is packed with bluegill. Let’s load up and go home; it’s going to take us a while to clean them.”
“Not as long as you might think, Kit. An electric fillet knife does wonders.”
“That’s cheating.”
“Maybe, but something tells me I have limited time today.”
“You’re damn right you do! Yeah, let’s go back. The sooner we get this done, the sooner I can get you alone and tell you EXACTLY what’s on my mind!”
“STOP YELLIN’ AT UNCLE MARK, SISSY!”
“Anastasia, don’t! You’re mad at me, not him. Little Monster, thanks for stickin’ up for me, but it’s best if you stay clear of this one. No sense stirrin’ up trouble between you and Sissy.”
“But she’s yellin’ at ya’. That means she don’t like ya’ no more!”
“She doesn’t agree with me. She still likes me or she wouldn’t be upset. She’s mad because she thinks I’m making a mistake and she cares about me. If she didn’t like me, she wouldn’t care.”
“I still don’t like her yellin’ at you.”
“I don’t either, but we’ll work it out. C’mon. Let’s get this stuff on the gator so we can go back and clean the fish. After that, me and Sissy need to be by ourselves for a long talk.”
“Ok, but don’t let her yell at you no more.”
“Little Monster, I remember you yelling at me not too long ago so you could feel better. Sissy can yell at me all she wants if it helps her. Sometimes we gotta’ go through the bad to get to the good. She’s worth it, just like you are.”
“Stacy, are you really sure this is worth arguing over with a man like him?”
“You stay out of this, Kitty!”
“Ok, just sayin’.”
“He’s wrong!”
“You sure about that? Don’t answer me; you need to answer this one for yourself.”
(Back at the Marshall house)
“Wow Mark, you’re fast!”
“I’ve done this a lot. Next time, when we have more time, I’ll show you how. I’ll show you how to do it with a regular knife first. When you can do it that way, I’ll show you how to do it this way.”
“Promise?”
“Jordan, have I ever told you I’d do something and then not done it? I promise.”
“You’re the best, Mark!”
“Now all I have to do is convince your sister of that again.”
“She’s not that mad. If she was, she wouldn’t talk to you at all.”
“She’s mad enough. Your sister is scary when she’s mad.”
“Kiss her on her neck. She gets all goofy when you do that.”
“I don’t think that would work right now. I think I better wait on that until after she’s not mad anymore. She might bite me.”
“As weird as you two are, you might like that.”
“Boy, you ain’t right, but I love ya’ anyway.”
(---)
(At the Marshall fire pit)
“I. Cannot. Freaking. Believe. Him! Bobby’s just setting him up to get even, and Mark’s being a dumbass and letting him do it! Hell, he’s helping him! I cannot freaking believe him!”
“You can’t really believe that Mark hasn’t considered that. Mark’s too smart for that. Sister, he read you right, he read me right, he even read Noah right and that kid was flat goin’ nuts! He can handle Bobby and you know it. What’s really bothering you?”
“I had a black eye for a week! CPS dragged me and the boys out of school and took us away from Mom and Dad! Mom got arrested and she didn’t do anything! That CPS bitch broke my heart necklace Mom gave me! Mom was so mad at CPS that I thought she was gonna’ have a stroke! Mom cried all night that night, I could hear her through my bedroom door and hers too! All that was Bobby’s fault and Mark’s being a dumbass and giving him a free pass! He never asked me what I thought about it! This is so much bullshit, Kit!
“Sarah became your caseworker, Mrs. Martin got suspended, it got you off your ass to get it started for Erin and Larry to adopt you, old Mr. Morris got to do something nice for you, your Mom, and Mr. Dunkirk, and you got hit full force with just how much you and the boys mean to your folks. All of that was because Bobby was a prick to you and got his ass handed to him on a plate by Mark. Oh yeah, I forgot that part. Mark got to prove to you that he’d protect you at all costs. All that stupid shit you just said is just an excuse. You’re mad because Mark made a decision that you don’t like, without your permission. Mark’s not giving him a free pass; he’s giving him a chance. If Bobby screws this one up, he might not live to get another one.”
“But he’s being so damn stupid!”
“No, that’s you. Sister, I love you and I don’t want him because he’s yours, but if you’re so damn stupid that you screw things up with Mark over this, he’s fair game. I meant what I said. I don’t feel that way about Mark and I don’t want him, but only because he’s yours. I want a man like him. If you are ever stupid enough to cut him loose, I’ll dump Troy in a hot second for him. Don’t make me do that; Mark deserves better than that from you.”
“Now you’re trying to take my boyfriend, bitch?”
“That’s not what I said. If that’s what you heard, then that’s what you wanted to hear and you’re a fool. I told you a long time ago that there isn’t a woman alive that could take Mark away from you. If you lose him, it’s because you threw him away. I have no interest in trying to take him. For one, I don’t want to ruin the best thing that has ever happened to either one of you. For another, Mark could never love me like he does you. You are his match, in every way; and he is yours. Sister, Mark knows what he’s doing. Trust him and let this go. Watch his back like you always do, but let this go.” (Kit walks away and leaves Stacy standing)
(....)
“That’s the last of ‘em. Thanks for the help, guys.”
“We didn’t do much. All we did was wash off the pieces and make sure there weren’t any bones left.”
“It all had to be done. If you hadn’t done it, I’d have had to. Next time, I’ll show you and Noah how to fillet ‘em and I’ll do the touch up work while I’m not teaching. Will you guys take these and the knife to Morgan and wash off the board? I gotta’ go try to talk Stacy out of dumping me.”
“She’s not gonna’ do that and you know it.”
“No, I don’t. She’s never been this mad at me before.”
“She’ll get glad in the same skin she got mad in.”
“Where did you pick that up?”
“You.”
“Hey, Mark. It looks like my timing was perfect, you’re done.”
“How’s Stacy?”
“Madder than Hell and she has her head so far up her ass she farts when she sneezes.”
“Well THAT’S a mental picture I could have lived without! I really screwed up, didn’t I?”
“No, you’re doing the right thing. I think I softened her up a little for you. At least I gave her quite a bit to think about. You ought to let her sit up there and stew for another half hour or so.”
“No, I’d just as soon get this over with. I’m not looking forward to this.”
“Mark, it’ll be alright. She’s more hurt than mad.”
“I’d rather she was mad at me than me hurt her.”
“Mark, I think she’s hurt because she knows you’re right and she’s wrong. This isn’t you; this is her.”
“Somehow, that doesn’t make it any better. Wish me luck.”
“You won’t need it, but good luck.”
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Post by papaof2 on Sept 20, 2017 20:37:03 GMT -6
I like the sneeze image. Maybe there is a market for plexiglass belly buttons?
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Post by 9idrr on Sept 20, 2017 22:20:54 GMT -6
I like the sneeze image. Maybe there is a market for plexiglass belly buttons? I'm only buyin' into that if the plexiglass is tinted.
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Post by cutter on Sept 20, 2017 22:23:53 GMT -6
Everything in that chapter and that's what you focused on? Really? Oh well, I'm still waiting to hear how Kai's class responded to finding north with a frog.
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Post by papaof2 on Sept 21, 2017 0:04:15 GMT -6
Everything in that chapter and that's what you focused on? Really? Oh well, I'm still waiting to hear how Kai's class responded to finding north with a frog. I appreciate where the kids might be heading, but - you don't know my day's events. The better half has had some swallowing problems with specific foods (fried rice, quinoa) so today was endoscopy time. They did find one restriction in her esophagus and were able to dilate that. The doctor's report included pictures from the endoscopy. I'd been looking at images from inside a body, so plexiglass belly button ;-)
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Post by headlesshorseman on Sept 21, 2017 5:34:34 GMT -6
Thank you for the great chapter. I am wishing Mark good fortune with Bobby.
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Post by gipsy on Sept 21, 2017 7:19:36 GMT -6
Kind of like images from a colonoscopy. Not something you want to watch right before supper. Plexiglass belly button lets some people see where they are going because they live in that position.
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Post by freebirde on Sept 21, 2017 8:09:09 GMT -6
I have to work daily with people with CRI (Cranial-Rectal Interface). Mostly management and newbees, but a few of the people that have been there a while.
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Post by kaijafon on Sept 21, 2017 20:59:57 GMT -6
first you tempt me with the chocolate, then give me a VERY VIVID image of someone farting out of their nose ...and then catch me forgetting all about that frog and the north thing... and now having to admit I need to go remember that. thanks for the new chapter! I forget those kids are only 12 until one gets the "Mad On" then I am like "oh they ARE just kids!"
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Post by cutter on Sept 22, 2017 7:42:32 GMT -6
I've had a terrible time portraying them ever since I introduced them. If you remember, I said something in volume 1 about having trouble with writing these kids characters in such a way that it shows the uneven emotional development of youngsters who are going through unusually stressful life events.
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Post by gipsy on Sept 22, 2017 7:51:53 GMT -6
I think you are doing a fine job of it.
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Post by pbbrown0 on Sept 22, 2017 9:23:08 GMT -6
first you tempt me with the chocolate, then give me a VERY VIVID image of someone farting out of their nose ...and then catch me forgetting all about that frog and the north thing... and now having to admit I need to go remember that. thanks for the new chapter! I forget those kids are only 12 until one gets the "Mad On" then I am like "oh they ARE just kids!" Okay, would someone fill me in on the frog in the north thing. You've set the hook already. It's time to quit playing me and finish reeling me in.
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Post by headlesshorseman on Sept 22, 2017 10:54:02 GMT -6
Mark was teaching woodcraft to Jordan and Noah. he mentioned that frogs faced south when croaking at sundown. (testing or teasing? I don't know. Jordan called him on it. K. was going to try it on her students. I missed the report on that.
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Post by cutter on Sept 22, 2017 12:09:53 GMT -6
See Kai, you promised
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Post by freebirde on Sept 22, 2017 12:53:24 GMT -6
Frogs face out over the water when croaking for two reasons. First, sound travels over water better. Second, so they can leap into the water if their croaking attracts land based predators. That why it is better to hunt them from a boat.
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Post by kaijafon on Sept 22, 2017 16:42:20 GMT -6
Mark was teaching woodcraft to Jordan and Noah. he mentioned that frogs faced south when croaking at sundown. (testing or teasing? I don't know. Jordan called him on it. K. was going to try it on her students. I missed the report on that. that is cause I FORGOT to do it! I'm writing it down this time!
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Post by headlesshorseman on Sept 22, 2017 17:18:36 GMT -6
Mark was teaching woodcraft to Jordan and Noah. he mentioned that frogs faced south when croaking at sundown. (testing or teasing? I don't know. Jordan called him on it. K. was going to try it on her students. I missed the report on that. that is cause I FORGOT to do it! I'm writing it down this time! It took me 67 years to earn that excuse. I carried a flashlight to the TV to work on it with a tech on the cell phone. Three days later i found the flashlight on the TV stand.
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Post by cutter on Sept 22, 2017 18:40:02 GMT -6
Actually, Mark said he had to teach them how to find north from which way a frog faced when they croaked. He never specified a compass direction that the frog was actually facing. Jordan told him he was full of crap, to which Mark replied "Yes I am, about the frogs..."
It's ok, K. I know the fact that 90% of your students are lazier than a politician (and probably as idiotic) is enough to keep you pretty frazzled. Faced with that nonsense, I'd forget a few things too, like that fact that the law frowns on strangling the life out of the little twerps. If it makes you feel any better, I have been known to say that the reason I smoke is so that I can allow my coworkers to live. Also, Stacy wasn't farting out of her nose; she was sneezing out of her butt.
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