March Stephenson

March Stephenson

Chapter 61

Maxieplus

It's Monday morning and still no sign of any announcement on the local page from Rose. We arrived at work and Mason dragged 'Hank' around the gym, he wanted everyone to pat his favorite pony. March and dad looked at the old truck and will start on it soon. He had one of his takeaway roasts from Faiths for breakfast, and now he's going to pick me up and have his proper breakfast across the road.

"Coming Nicky?"

"Yes March, right behind you." He grinned.

Mason and him skipped across the road and dad and I followed. We said our good mornings to May and Mum but still no sign of Rose. March ordered our breakfasts and I made the coffees. While they sat outside I looked at mum.

"No Rose today?"

"She will be in soon Nicky, she's running late."

"Okay, just a suggestion. Call your part-timers in to help today, I think you are going to be busy."

"What do you know that I don't?"

"Nuthin mum." I put my head down and then took the coffee out to the boys.

It was just after the rolls arrived Rose pulled up in her parking spot. She had the biggest smile on her face as she grabbed her handbag and almost skipped over to our table. I went to make her a coffee and when I got back mum was now sitting with her. The relevant questions were asked and she winked at me. her phone was taken out and my phone beeped. She had sent me the photo and said 'You can start the guessing game now' My heart skipped.

I placed the photo on the local page and said.

'Guess which local identity is expecting?' Then I looked at a teary Rose and said.

'Done' May was the first to grab her phone then the rest followed. She screamed and I started handing around the tissues. Jack came running out of his shop and grabbed Rose.

"You sly fox, why didn't you tell us?"

"Jack it took me three days to believe it myself." He hugged and kissed her, all the while mum was staring at me.

"Did you call the part-timers?"

"I will do that now son." She was over the moon for Rose but I think a little annoyed at me.

It was five minutes later I looked at the page and just about everyone had guessed right. I couldn't read the posts because they were coming so thick and fast. Then the cars started to pull up, and within a half hour, there was no room at the tables. Mum and May were rushed off their feet and all the street parking was taken up. The flowers piled onto the table where a very happy Rose sat. Toys, baby stuff, clothes the lot. March went across the road with dad and they got the two foldable tables out of the shed He set them up and all the presents were stacked on them.

I felt a nudge and mum pushed in between March and me.

"You could have told me."

"It was Rose's decision mum, please don't get mad, it's her way or nothing. You know how she is." I blamed Rose.

"Okay I will let you two get away with it this time, but next time I will be watching."

"There won't be a next time mum." She and Rose talked then May nudged me and when I looked she had that sour look on her face.

"Don't talk to me, talk to your brother." I huffed.

"You knew?" She yelled at March.

"What?"

"You knew about this and didn't tell me?"

"You don't have to know everything May. Anyway, Nicky swore me to secrecy."

"So all this is your fault, once again Nicolas Stephenson."

"Why me, why is it always my fault?" I stood up.

"Because you're very devious, that's why." I looked at March and once again he's turned all the attention back to me.

I threw my arms into the air and screamed.

"I give up, you lot can go and get stuffed, March and May Stephenson if you both didn't have your heads so far up your asses you would have seen the signs. I'm fed up, and again you both can go and get royally stuffed." I heard a lot of clapping it was almost a standing ovation.

"The next performance will be at lunchtime, thank you all for coming." I bowed.

I walked over the road but couldn't slam the door because I had finally had an auto one installed. I went to see if there was any washing and that's when March Stephenson attacked me.

"You were so hot over there Nicky, I am bursting my balls here."

"You had better meet me in the shed then."

I knew that performance would turn March on, he likes it when I get a little forceful and unruly, so not me.

The shed was wonderful, and he wanted the full menu today. We had plenty of time, the trucks weren't urgent and I think Rose's party will go on all day.

I was correct with my theory, the cafe didn't stop, half the council arrived with Brenda and I was sure she would come up with some sort of award for Rose.

If mum and May were miffed they didn't show it, they joined in the festivities and when little Rosie and Jason arrived she gladly passed her around under his watchful eyes.

Faith and Ethan came by and tears were flowing from just about everyone. By the time lunch came around everyone was starting to eat. Mum was rushed off her feet but she seemed to have plenty of food on offer. Faith and Dad helped her and May manned the shop with the two part-timers.

It will probably be the best trading day Mays Cafe has ever seen.

My son was lapping it up but looking tired, so I placed him on my knees and he almost immediately went to sleep. I took him out the back to Mays and settled him on the sofa.

March ate his day away and was looking forward to his other roast tonight. Joel and he went across the road to look at the old Fords, he will make the farmer an offer for all three. March told me later he won't be doing much to them just cleaning them up, then he will sell them at a profit.

Tom and Hank were there and I saw Hank talking to Ron and Nudge, they were laughing at one stage, probably about the way he and Tom fooled us.

Jason took Rosie out the back to have a nap and he will sit with Mase and her, just to watch them sleep.

He doesn't seem to want to be in with the crowd much. I suppose it's his gentle nature that makes him a little shy.

Rose didn't work today and when Jack shut up shop early, he and a few of the guys loaded her car up with gifts and flowers. He said Cory would help him unload it when they got home. The whole day was a celebration of Rose's good news and Brenda sat back and smiled to herself, her town is just the best in the area. She hadn't better get too comfortable I am still working on March's run for council.

A tired little cowboy and his horse were loaded into the car and driven home. Rose had long gone she was getting tired also, but most of the town had stayed and partied except for the mums and dads who had kids to pick up from school.

March sat at the table as Mason rode 'Hank' around the verandah. He had a slight smile on his face and I asked him what he was thinking of.

"Nothing Nicky, just that Rose's and May's bubs are going to be great friends for Mase, I can't wait to see the little fella."

"Me too March, it's so exciting and by the look of the town folk today everyone is behind Rose one hundred percent. She's not young, and I am sure she will struggle some days, all we have to do is watch her. And yes Mase will be his best mate."

"Are you going to the cemetery with her?"

"Yes, when she's ready." I was looking forward to it.

"There is something else I have noticed in the last few days, she refers to her son as Daniel. She has always referred to him as her son, she never used his name."

"She's letting go, Nicky, maybe it's the last thing she had to do. Daniel was a gorgeous kid and I am hoping this new one will be the same."

"Nicholas, she going to name him Nicholas."

"Whatever he looks like I am sure with a name like that he will be equally gorgeous." He looked at me and I will take that compliment.

"When do you have to go to the studio?"

"Next week Nicky, can I ask you not to come."

"Sure you can ask."

"I do and I don't want you there. I have to do this on my own please?"

"Just teasing you, of course, you go on your own, just watch out for wandering hands."

"They wouldn't dare do that to me."

"Time will tell, you are a rather gorgeous spunk March, any gay with an ounce of courage would be hitting on you right from the start."

"No Nicky, that will never happen because I won't allow it."

"I better come with you."

"You will try and make me out to be available, and I think you will make it worse for me." He could be right.

I placed his roast in front of him and our conversation was over. I then called Mase to come and eat something, he resisted but I could already tell it was going to be an early night for him. 'Hank' was left on the porch (to graze) and Mase sat at the table to have his tiny roast, did I just see my husband try to steal a potato?

"March!"

"What Nicky."

"You just tried to take one of your son's potatoes."

"No, I didn't." He blushed so I scooped one of mine over to his plate.

Then I did a May and placed my arm around my area so he couldn't try for seconds.

It wasn't long after Mason's bath that he dropped off on the couch, March put him to bed and we had to bring 'Hank' in, just in case he wanted to get in an early chit-chat when he woke up.

"I guess we will have to start doing the house ourselves."

"Yes, I was thinking that yesterday, we can't expect Rose to keep doing it."

"I will talk to Tom, in the meantime, you talk to Rose about semi-retiring."

"I will talk to mum first, she may have some ideas."

"Knowing Rose she will want to keep doing our place."

"Why would she do that?"

"She likes sniffing your underwear March."

"What?" I laughed my head off at his shocked face.

He finished his first breakfast and rubbed his satisfied tummy and he looked sideways at me.

"I don't believe you."

"Well, she might."

"Then we will do it ourselves, and I can wash my undies in the shower."

"You do that March." I won't say I am guilty of smelling his underwear sometimes when I miss him.

Joel was on his doorstep when we arrived at work, he wanted to have a good look at the three trucks again. March handed over his suggestions for a price that would be fair. Mase was helping by crawling under the big truck and now and then he would call out.

"Good."

"Thank you bubs, can you check the wheels now?"

"Yep."

I had to grab him in the end, he thought Joel had better take the engine out to check the oil. He has play school today and will ride 'Hank', at least the shoppers won't be subjected to any more car crashes. Rose was on board and smiling from ear to ear. I don't think I have ever seen her as happy as she is at the moment.

Joel, dad, and March arrived and they all ordered breakfast, unsurprisingly they had two burgers each. Mum was still staring at me and before I went in to see her she came out with the burgers. She sat next to me and uncharacteristically she nudged me.

"What mum?"

"I am amazed Nicky, every day you surprise me. I think maybe you have turned the corner."

"What makes you say that?"

"You kept a secret for longer than two days." She stood up laughing her head off, it was then that I decided that we were still good.

Mason wanted to go out the back to say good morning to Rosie, May hadn't appeared because Jase was home. I walked him into May's and he almost swallowed Rosie with kisses, then May took him for cuddles.

"I will be back shortly, he's got play school today."

"He will be busy telling everyone about his big horse ride on the weekend."

I walked back smiling, yes indeed he will, and Louise will hear it fifty times I bet.

Joel had left and March was on the phone to the farmer who owned the trucks. They struck a deal and March had assured him he wouldn't be charged for any work he had already done on them.

"He got a good fair price Nicky he's happy with the offer."

"And Joel will make some money?"

"Yes after he pays me, but he's going to ask double the final price."

I guess that's the way business is done in our town.

"Want to go and grab Mase and walk us up the street?"

"You bet I do."

There's nothing like walking up your town's main street with a handsome man on your arm carrying an equally handsome son on his shoulders, I was carrying 'Hank' and Mase was making horse noises.

When we passed the toy shop windows all I could see was wood, trikes, and toys, the cars had disappeared to the back of the shop, and there was no plastic in sight.

Back at the cafe, Rose was sitting with mum and May having a grand old time. I overheard her say she had never felt so alive, and when March and I sat down she took my hand and kissed it. Nothing was said but I felt her excitement.

"Now we have to talk about housework Rose, you're fired." March just came out and said it.

"March Stephenson if you trying to cheat me out of some work it won't happen. I will be there every Tuesday until ten weeks before the birth."

"But it's too hard for you Rose."

"You may or may not know March but I don't do much except wipe the floors over and tidy up a bit, it's Nicky who does most of the hard work."

He looked at me and I smiled.

"Why don't I ever see you doing any hard work?" He asked me.

"I do it when you're in the shower baby." I laughed.

I have a dishwasher, and I can change beds when needed, nothing gets ironed and if you fold it properly you limit the wrinkles. Rose does work because I hate washing floors and dusting. What she does with March's underwear is anybody's guess, if he has used jocks I usually wash them at work with mine, but we won't tell him.

"So you have to make a list of things you will need Rose. I presume you have most of it tucked away somewhere, but my customers are asking what you need." May said.

"I have some stuff at home but I won't use it, my boy will have his very own new stuff. So I guess I need everything you use May, bottles, jumpsuits, nappies things like that."

"I will try and coordinate it for you Rose, this is so exciting, it's been too long coming." She smiled.

When everything settled down, we headed back to the play school to pick Mase up, then it was time for lunch. Mason had a great time and I am sure the other kids went home with a lot more knowledge of the art of horse riding. Louise told us he did have a nap with the others so I don't expect him to be tired until the afternoon. It was roast chicken today and March ordered heaps, and Mase had a small roll with chips and gravy. The town was buzzing and gifts and more flowers were being delivered to the cafe. I sometimes think I should make the local florist an offer for her business, she must do very well.

The next week March had to head for the city, he had that studio filming to do. I begged him to take me but he was still adamant that he could do this, and they only wanted him to say his lines. I would be a distraction. He dressed in his fire chief outfit minus the coat and just the pants braces and t-shirt made him look like a gay man's picnic. He didn't wear his medal but placed it in his pocket, if needed he will pin it on. The studio was on our side of the city so it would only be about a thirty-minute drive for him, I almost crawled into the back of his truck, but I had Mason to care for so in all honesty, I couldn't leave him on his own.

Everything March said made sense and I finally gave up and sulked instead.

"Nicky I will only be away for a few hours, they want me to do my lines and that's it."

"Well, you be extra careful with unwarranted roaming hands."

"There won't be anything like that going on Nicky, they are professional people."

"Well, you ring me if you have any trouble."

"I will for sure." He kissed us both goodbye and almost skipped to his truck. I could almost hear him saying, freedom at long last.

At work, I tried to act like it was nothing but deep down I went batshit crazy. He doesn't know the world I came from, and he's so innocent anything could happen. Mase was his happy self, he had play time again today, and I still had dad to talk to if I got lonely. Rose was humming to herself at the table and May was cuddling Mase, dad had Rosie until Rose decided she wanted to nurse her. It all seemed so normal except the main character wasn't there with us.

"Why the long face Nicky?" May said.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Yes, he won't be long. You would think he was going for a month not a few hours."

"Well I miss having him around, and I know he will have trouble with me not being there with him."

"Are you sure of that, he is a grown man Nicky."

"I know, but he doesn't know the world I lived in for all those years."

"He will cope beautifully, have some confidence in him."

"And where is Jason today?"

"At the other center."

"Do you miss him"

"Yes." She giggled.

I was playing with my phone and wanted to ring him, just to see if he made it in one piece. I resisted my urges and Rose patted my hand.

"Have some faith in him, my friend, he will do just fine."

"How are you feeling?"

"Really good Nicky, no morning sickness at all." I heard May groan she was plagued with it.

I looked at May and huffed. She went to slap me but I was too quick.

"Your brother isn't here to defend you, are you sure you want to do this?"

"Sorry Nicky, my morning sickness was foul, as you know. I am happy Rose hasn't got any." She smiled, that's better.

I walked my son up the road, and he dragged 'Hank' who fell over a few times, Louise was smiling and I tried to be a bit upbeat.

"It's exciting isn't it Nicky, the boys going to the big smoke to be interviewed?"

"What boy's, I thought March was going on his own?"

"No, Nudge, Ron, and Joel were going with him."

"I guess they wanted them there for the ad also, maybe March mentioned it and I wasn't listening."

"He would have Nicky, there's talk of it on the local page, that's how I knew."

"Oh, I didn't look this morning."

Mason was telling his mates about horses and he even let a little girl ride 'Hank' and was giving her tips. I laughed and finally convinced myself that he would be all right, he had his mates with him.

I did the washing and cleaning when I got back to the gym, there wasn't much to do. I sat behind my counter then looked at the local page, and yes it was being discussed. Michelle (Joel's wife) had heard from him and they were being treated like stars, but March had complained about the fancy food they were being offered. I know when he gets back he will head for the cafe and have his kind of food. My phone beeped and a message said 'I miss you'

I sent one back that read 'I miss you more' That was it and two hours nearer to afternoon tea he pulled up outside the garage.

I almost ran to the truck and it wasn't me it was him who grabbed me and started kissing me. Hornes honked as the occupants saw us and Mason was almost in tears when his daddy picked him up for a talk.

"The food was terrible Nicky and I am so hungry, do you think mum has any roast beef left?"

"I had her put a big one away for you, come on."

"Great." His grin widened and we walked once again across the road.

Everyone wanted to know how he went and he told us in-between eating that it was very professional and he screwed his lines up a few times, but they did get there in the end. The food was that type of finger food, no sandwiches and a lot of small stuff.

"I couldn't have a decent meal mum, I nearly got some KFC on the way back."

"Well you eat up son there's plenty more if you want it." She smiled.

"So you went with the boys, you didn't tell me they were going with you?"

"I'm sure I did Nicky, they will be in the ad too."

"Well, at least it was something out of the box for you all, an eye-opener for sure."

"It was Nicky, but I didn't like the fondling."

"What?"

"You know the makeup and hair were a bit overkill." He grinned.

"I did your hair before you left."

"Yes, but they wanted it looking a little messy for the shoot."

"I see, so they messed with you?"

"I like you doing it, not some girl from the makeup department."

"Well, I am sure she knew what she was doing."

"She did," He kissed me again.

I waited until he finished his meal to ask him more questions but he had other ideas.

"Come on Nicky we are well behind today." I followed him across the road and then into the shed.

Mason was sleeping better and 'Hank' was happy to provide that sleep, he was dragged everywhere my boy went. I even caught all three of them napping in my mini one day, although 'Hanks' eyes were still wide open.

It was two weeks later when I saw the ad, I didn't know what to think when it flashed up on screen. March had gone to shower and Mase was riding his bike on the verandah. The outside TV was on, he likes to catch the morning news, but when he left it turned to the ad.

A Current Affair is highlighting a story on the bushfires and the heroes that fought it, it was to be aired on Friday night. I don't know why March didn't tell me, and why he lied about the shoot in the city. He wasn't there for the ad he was there to do this show. I wasn't mad at him, in fact, I was a little excited to see him on the big screen. He came out looking for his morning suck and I obliged him gratefully. He made us a coffee grinning all the time and we sat and had this last one before going to work.

"You should have told me."

"Told you what Nicky?"

"A Current Affair." He went quiet.

"I wanted to, but I thought you would interfere."

"I don't always interfere March, sometimes I think you do okay without me. The thing with me is I don't want you to be harmed in any way. This show is legit, so I don't have any worries about you being targeted by the lowlifes. I am proud of you, and can't wait to see what they come up with. Well done my husband."

He took my hand and kissed it.

"I am sorry Nicky, but I wanted to do this on my own."

"You did well baby, no complaints coming from this side of the family." I smiled.

He seemed good, and to be honest this is his gig. So I will bow out of this one, but I will also listen carefully if something else comes up. I don't want this gentle county boy to be used up by unsolicited attention.

At work, we sat at the table with May and he told us both what had happened in the city. Many folks were out today and congratulated him as they passed by, and once again I felt the town come alive. Two big announcements this morning on the local page, the first one was the TV show, it was suggested that the whole town watch it. A link to the TV ad was provided by Brenda. The second was about Rose and how well she was doing. We had gone to the cemetery and we did shed a tear as she told her son he was getting a little brother. My heart leapt when she spoke and I knew he was pleased.

She was in seventh heaven at work and had already started dropping some cleaning jobs off her list. I think she wanted to concentrate on the baby's room and redecorating her home because Jack told me she had tradesmen in there banging away at the walls.

Mum and dad listened to March's story and congratulated him for doing it. He said he did it for the boys, people should know what the other side of the fires was like the unspoken side of the men who fight them. If they ever do a follow-up, I can give him some tips on how the town folk felt when their men were away.

Nothing much happened over the next few days, the trucks were picked up by Joel and money was exchanged, in March's case no money it was a freebie because Joel had done the Mini for nothing. The farmer was happy to sign the documents and Mason waved them goodbye with 'Hank' and Sunny by his side.

Friday night arrived and it was fish and chips at mum's place. May and Jason had invited themselves over because they wanted to be with us to watch it.

We ate early and as usual, March and dad raced to see who could eat the most. I picked at my food because I had an uneasy feeling, and hoped to God that he didn't come over as a big-headed hero, or worse looking bad on screen.

The show started and Mason screamed as March and his boys sat in the studio. As they were interviewed they showed footage of the bushfires and our town. They spoke about the fire prevention ad that will run before next season and there was no mention of March's medal.

"A simple country mechanic and his friends who look after our forests and towns, and who have a deep love for our country. As you heard viewers, to use March Stephenson's words tonight. It's a job all of them would gladly do over and over again." The lady who heads the show said in closing. We clapped and I kissed him on a job well done, he was gorgeous on screen, with flawless skin and features, his hair was tossed and made him look more butch in that scene. He spoke well, and I couldn't fault the guys or him, they said all the right words and gave all the right answers.

"Very good March, you have done very well." May was in awe of her brother once again.

"Let's watch it again," Dad said.

"Let's not," March answered.

But dad being dad and a proud one at that, replayed the whole episode again. After the third viewing, it was time to make tracks and go home. Mason was tired, and I wanted my husband to myself, so I could play with his hair.

He drove us home, and after we put Mase and the kids to bed we sat at the table. He was smiling after I praised his performance, and threw in a few uplifting comments about his appearance.

I picked up my phone and looked at the local page, it had lit up and I knew what the comments would be like and they were all good, for all the boys.

'Very much loved sons of our town, they all did well tonight, God bless them.'

They were all along the same lines. He looked and then we both shut the phones down then went to bed. I wanted to see more of that butch guy I saw on TV and he accommodated my every desire.

In the morning when I looked, the page was crammed full of great comments, March spent 15 minutes looking then he put his phone away.

I think he was pleased but today all he wanted was his breakfast.

I closed up my phone and went to organize that for him and the kids.

Mason will have his spaghetti on toast and March his big breakfast.

I sat looking at him and thinking. I have to be the luckiest man in the country, I also promised myself that I will never interfere in March's life ever again.

As always his world came crashing down two days later. A rival TV station that had a similar show to A Current Affair did a piece on the boys and the fires, all negative. A woman who was filmed from behind gave a scathing account of March Stephenson and how he wasn't what people think. I knew it was Annie and why she was doing the interview, money. She told the presenter why he wasn't to be trusted and wasn't the golden-haired boy from the country they thought he was, he illegally adopted a baby from Canada, and his boyfriend had been involved in unsavory practices. She was worried about the boy. This was targeting Mason, if the police took any notice it would be a nightmare for us, and that was her other intention. I sat back in disbelief while March's phone lit up. Brenda rang my phone because she knew I would answer her.

"Nicky, I have closed down the bridges, we don't want any reporters making camp in town. Only residents are allowed. How is our March?"

"I don't know, he's still in shock. I'm waiting for him to come back to me."

"Give him all our love, and tell him we have his back." The next call was from May she was distraught and wanted to come over. I told her that March wasn't saying anything, not even to me. I asked her to leave it until the morning, then we had a long talk about the show. She was in disbelief that someone would bag me and her brother in such a way. I let her get it all out, then I hung up and closed my phone down. Before I did I rang mum and told her about the situation, she also wanted to come over but understood when I discouraged her.

I made coffee and sat with him on the couch. After a long silence, he finally said something.

"I didn't want it to be like this Nicky."

"Like what March?"

"I thought it would be good to do that interview and you would be proud of me."

"I am proud of you March, very proud, and it wasn't that interview that was trash, it was the other station who took Annie's call, and then paid her. They would have known she had an axe to grind and tomorrow morning first thing we go to the police. If you don't want to be involved then I will do it, she targeted Mason, and I am going to sue her ass off."

"They will look at your court case transcript, you said some things that were true, they will believe her."

"I have the recording, and in a way, she has broken our contract by mentioning Mase. I will go with dad in the morning you take the day off."

"I'm tired Nicky can we go to bed?"

"Coming up baby."

"Nicky?"

"Yes, sweet man?"

"I think I did something bad by placing myself out there. I think she was only waiting for her chance to get even with us. I will stay home tomorrow, I can't show my face in town just yet."

"Well, I disagree March Stephenson. Brenda has closed both of the bridges that allow access to our town, roadworks, and upgrades. So no reporters will be allowed in, only residents. You did a good thing March, Annie did the bad thing, and I will fix it, I promise." I kissed his head the stood him up, dropping his shorts I helped him to bed and hopefully we both will get some sleep. It will be a big day tomorrow.

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