March Stephenson

Chapter 90

March Stephenson.

Maxieplus

While Rachael booked into a cheap hotel in London, March was just waking up. He scratched his head and looked sideways at Nicky. He had been watching him so he moved over and gave him a good morning kiss. He felt blessed he had someone to hold all night and was grateful Nicky was the one he was with.

"Did you sleep well March?"

"Yes Nicky, my headaches gone."

"Good, kiss me again and I will start breakfast."

"Great I'm famished." March smiled.

I rolled my eyes kissed him and threw back the covers. It's still cool at night so the blankets stay on for now. I can hear Mason talking to his friends and went to check him out. No poos and no damp nappy. I asked him if he wanted to go, he said.

"No daddy's job."

"March your son wants to go to the toilet."

"Coming." Sunny followed me out and I opened the back door for him then I put the kettle on and sat looking through the local page. Brenda had announced the new campground will be started today, and the roundabout will be finished in a week or so. Plants have been purchased and they should be in full bloom for the opening. I looked at Rachael's post there was only one comment on it which said.

'Good riddance'

If I was to guess who the anonymous poster was, it would be Ellen or Mike. Bobby's not the type to have a public bitch fight online.

My phone had a message from Tom. When I opened it up there was a photo of Christopher staring back at me, he was sitting in a cafe with Rachael.

"Our source said to be very careful of this man."

I won't show anyone, and I will never divulge what I know. I don't think he will be meeting Pete in the near future. He probably only wants a cut of his enterprise. I think it's time Pete got out of it anyway, it's getting too close to home for my liking.

"What's happening today Nicky?"

"You have to put your official uniform on and oversee the burning, it's the perfect day for it."

"Do I have to?" He whined.

"It's your job."

He knows what he's doing, things won't get out of hand and I believe the fire break is already in the process of being cleared. I dished up breakfast, Mason had his boiled egg and toast and March a full man's one. I actually fancied a couple of boiled eggs today, they were fresh and 'chooks' were back to laying more than one every now and then. Little 'Sheep' was growing fast and Mason had a big task trying to catch him. Bobby will be in today to see Jason, and although he can't talk about it Jase does wink at me a bit when Bob's name is mentioned. I can only pray that it doesn't happen again, and the boys have as good a life as March and myself.

March dressed in his firefighters gear and Mason was very impressed, like I was. No time for a tour of his awesome body because he was in a mood so he set the fire station alarm off.

"Have a nice day March."

"I still don't want to go." But he did take a few minutes to kiss me goodbye.

I checked the toilets and tea room then the changing room. No towels to wash and there were eight people in the gym working out. March's workshop was full and the MG's are nearly finished. He has some more coming in today but didn't say what kind they were. Breakfast roll time and I had a small one, May was sitting in the morning sun with Rosie and Jason. We chatted along about the roundabout nearly being completed and Mike said all Bobbys jobs were done and now he can concentrate on the camping ground. His boss has offered him full-time work when he gets his certificate, so he will move on to Nudge's new estate. The school house is almost finished, Lenny and him just have to hook up the laundry for Ellen, then she has everything she needs.

Dad will finish the car he's working on this morning then go to the hardware shop for an hour or two. So it will be Mike on his own while March is burning off some undergrowth. He wasn't worried about Mike but will double check his work when he gets back. Mum came and sat with us, then she took Rosie off Jason for a cuddle and Jack came past with his usual morning greetings.

"Make sure your husband doesn't burn the town down Stephenson."

"Your shop will be the first to go Jack." I laughed.

"Good I just paid the insurance."

He came out and gave mum the right money then left laughing to himself.

Things get back to normal pretty quick in our town.

Mike and dad went back to work and I missed March. He has the knack of making my morning fun.

When I finished clearing the table I then walked my son and Sunny up to play school. After returning to work, I sat behind my desk and watched the reports on our page.

A few posters wanted to know where the fire was and they were set straight.

Brenda pinned a post at the top explaining it would only take a few hours, and people need not panic.

Bobbys handsome face appeared, he was on his way to see Jason.

"Everything alright Bobby?"

"Yes Uncle Nicky, things are moving along beautifully."

"And Mike?"

"What can I say, he puts a smile on my face every time I see him."

"Well keep it there, you have a lot to smile about."

"I do, and I am so grateful to this town, there's nothing I can say except thank you."

"They love you and Mike, but you know that already. When does Nudges work start?"

"In a few weeks, I believe he's making a big announcement today."

"What about?"

"I think he is going to tell everyone where the estate will be situated."

"Oh God, I hope it's miles from here."

"I don't know Nicky, but he said everyone will be happy."

"As long as it's not butting up to March's properties." I laughed.

"Yes he is a bit of a greenie."

"That he is Bobby, is there anything you need?"

"Not at the moment, but you can tell me something."

"What is that?"

"How do you put holes in March's overalls?" I almost fell out of my seat but I did give him some tips.

He left to go out the back and I played my games. The word is the burning off will be finished after lunch, there wasn't that much to do.

I was bored so I went to sit across the road and talk to May, she doesn't seem too busy today.

"No work today May?"

"Not a lot Nicky, people are staying inside, I guess it's a spring cleaning day."

"Is Bobby doing well with Jason?" If anyone would know it would be May.

"Yes, he's doing very well I believe. Jase said they are only going through the motions, that Bobby is a great young man who has his head screwed on right."

"He has, he wanted to know how to put holes in Mike's new overalls." I smiled.

"He adores March, don't go all twisted on me Nicky, but he does idolise him."

"I know, and I'm not all twisted May I don't do jealousy."

"March's eyes are for you only Nicky,"

"I know, any news on the burn off?"

"It will be over soon, but they have to stay behind to make sure it's all out."

"That will make him happy." I smiled.

"Maybe, but he's just turned the corner, he must have come in for lunch."

I looked up the road and yes, March's truck was rolling into a parking spot. A God alighted and he almost ran towards us. I stood up and he hugged me then kissed me.

"I missed you."

"I missed you too." I replied.

"I came in for lunch what are we having?"

"I think it's roast lamb today."

"Good. I'm starving."

"How is it all going?"

"Really well Nicky, it wasn't that bad in the first place. I think Brenda just wanted us to go through the motions so she had the right paperwork when needed."

"I see, so it's not that big a job?"

"No, the guys are just standing around scratching their bums."

I went and ordered three meals from mum and she asked if it was all finished.

"From what March is saying it never started."

"I was wondering why there wasn't much smoke around."

"I think the last bushfire season got rid of all the undergrowth."

Bobby and Jason came across the road and ordered lunch and Mike wasn't too far behind them.

"Where's dad?" I asked.

"Up at the hardware shop."

"So you're on your own."

"He will be back in an hour to give you a hand."

"No need boss dads finished the last of the MG's and I am almost through with the Torana. The cars that are coming in tomorrow are Datsun 240z's awesome sport cars."

"How many?" March asked.

"Three, one each." Mike smiled.

"Easy." March said.

"I'll pick you up and we can go cruising Bobs."

"No thrashing them." March reminded him.

March was true to his word, he finished the operation about an hour after lunch, then they all had to go back to the fire station and clean the truck and restock it. So when Mason and I got in at five he was home by five thirty.

He wasn't happy about it and started drafting his resignation as soon as he sat down.

I fixed some roast for dinner and put it in the oven then I took Mase for his nightly walk. By the time we got back he was asleep on the sofa, must have been a big day for him. When I got the opportunity I looked at the laptop, all I saw was a blank page. He had got as far as typing Dear.

He will start to attend training night every Thursday soon. New recruits and old seasoned firefighters need to practice. I will take Mason along to watch they are usually a great community night out at the showgrounds.

He woke up and was scratching his head then he turned to look at me.

"Is dinner ready Nicky?"

"Yes March, come sit at the table." I went to grab our dinner and sat at the table with him.

When we finished we watched the news and Mason was put to bed. March had turned all the lights out and laid on the couch naked, he wanted to watch the backyard lights tonight.

"It's been a long time since we did this, are you comfortable Nicky?"

"Yes March, and we only did this last weekend."

"Seems like ages, it was a big day today."

"Because you're not used to it."

"You can tell me what you really think about Rachael now."

"I don't have an opinion of her March. Sure she's a terrible mother and friend. If she has moved overseas then she's at least trying to be a bit more worldly. At the moment the little kids are happy they have a real family at long last."

"She made you mad."

"You made me mad March. You dropped everything to hang with her."

"It was for the kids."

"I have my doubts March. I think you like a little drama every now and then, especially with me involved, and I must say you're not very good at it."

"Maybe you're right Nicky." He smiled.

By the time they we love Rachael Knowles had changed her name to Suzanne Webb, applied for a new passport, and had seen the doctor to confirm what she already suspected. She was four months pregnant and she was making plans. Like Mike, she always had a plan.

March took Mason to see his animals, Sunny did his business while I cooked breakfast. I have no plans for today and not a lot to do, and when Nicky doesn't have any plans he dreams some up.

I will go and see what they have done at the camp ground today by all accounts there should be ditches dug and no undergrowth.

I fed my troops, showered and dressed while March organised Mason. He came into the bathroom to empty his potty and it only took one look at me and it was on for young and old. March was exhausted when he got to work and I could see he was in desperate need of another nap.

Mike was there, dad was across the road. My gym was neat and tidy and we have Nudge, Barry and Joel in today. I have to ring Brenda about the posters there will be one placed in every shop window and a few at the high school.

The ad was placed in a London paper and Suzanne received ten applicants, her cleaning business will take off like a rocket. She was using Tom's business plan, and she knew enough to know if the customers wanted extras, she provided it. She only hired pretty European girls and called her business Maids on call.

Of course we didn't know any of this, our lives are so different here in our town. When the highlight of my day is driving to the water tower to look at some dirt, I knew I had come home and just about everything small excites me.

Mike followed us across the road, he was excited to see the Datsun's. March said they were from Shannon's auctions and they had to get them ready for a sale.

"You have a family to look after, and anyway they will cost you more than your home is worth Mike."

"I know dad Wilson, but I can dream can't I?" He knows what is going on in Mike's head.

"I thought you liked minis?" I said.

"I do but they are a bit of a squeeze with the two of us in them."

"We don't have a problem with that Mike."

"Don't worry Nicky, we wiped the seat down." He winked.

"Oh my God, not in my beautiful mini?"

"As I said it was a squeeze." He got up laughing along with dad and then went to secure his two rolls.

"They did take their time March."

"They didn't do anything, he's just having a lend of you Nicky."

"But they could have,"

"We had better try and see if it's even possible."

"Okay tonight when we get home." Dad was pissing himself and I get to try out a different position.

"What are you doing today?" March finally asked me.

"Ringing Brenda about the posters, and I want to go to the tower to see what was done yesterday."

"It wasn't much Nicky."

"I need to see where we are up to anyway."

I was toying with my phone, Mason was riding 'hank' up and down. I watched him go into Jack's store and when he came out he had a balloon tied to the bridle.

When Jack walked past to get his rolls he yelled at March.

"You owe me ten bucks Stephenson,"

"What for? One balloon?"

"No for four, he busted three getting to the colour he wanted." He laughed and went in to see mum.

'Announcement. My company has purchased four hundred acres of land outside of town. The logging company have decided to move their operations further south and offered the land to me. A new green housing estate will be built in its place. In no way will it impact our town or the surrounding properties or any jobs. It will create more jobs and bring more business to our town. Nudge.'

Oh shit. Nudge has made a huge announcement on the local page. I looked up and had to think fast, some of that land borders March's clearing. I had better go and speak to Nudge before March sees the post.

Mrs Nudge Michelle and May had gathered with a few other ladies at another table. I hadn't seen them arrive and then cars started coming from each end of town. Rose ran across the road like she was missing something. I got up and walked over to Jan's side then crouched down.

"Is this true?"

"Yes Nicky, it's wonderful news no more logging near our town." She smiled.

"You know some of it borders March's clearing."

"That's why we are here Nicky."

"What do you mean?"

"To watch the show."

"What bloody show?"

"Has March read it yet?"

"No, and I won't let him read it until I get some more information."

"You fucking prick Nudge!" I heard.

"Too late." She laughed.

March's chair fell on the concrete and he ran past us with rage on his face.

At the same time cameras came out and Nudge opened the gym door and stood there.

"Get here you prick. I am going to pummel you into the ground." Nudge took off running and March matched him step for step, the ladies and gents laughed at the spectacle. At least it wasn't me this time.

I could hear them both screaming as they ran past the ice cream shop, the hardware shop, and up and around the roundabout. When they finally came back they were exhausted and Nudge fell into the chair next to Jan.

"Help me, a big bad man is attacking me." He shielded his face with his arms.

"Nudge, you're a fucking prick." March heaved as he struggled to breathe.

"Settle down Stephenson." Nudge heaved back.

"Get ready for a large law suit you asshole." He puffed out.

"Has Stephenson done it again?" I heard.

"Get stuffed Jack go peddle your overpriced balloons to unsuspecting kids." March yelled at poor Jack. the ladies took more photos. I was worried Nudge would get a bop on the nose, but that's not March's way he's more verbal, and boy was he verbal. He let Nudge have it with two barrels, the insults were downright threatening.

"March calm down, you don't know the full story," I said.

"What's to know Nicky, they will destroy our clearing. I will sue Nudge, and I don't care if it costs me everything I own." I could hear dad and Mike laughing their asses off in the background. It was May that calmed him down, Nudge just sat with Jan with a big smile on his face.

"March, listen to what Nudge is doing before you start attacking him." March looked at her twice, then Nudge.

"What have you got to say for yourself?"

Nudge produced a folder from Jan's bag and handed it to March.

"I have five acres of land going begging March, it borders the clearing and will have a twelve-foot fence separating it from the estate. It's up for sale March."

March grabbed the folder and stomped back to our table. He shoved the folder into my lap and said.

"Look at this for me please Nicky." Then he folded his arms and glared at Nudge. I started reading but I only had to look at the price and the plan to know Nudge didn't forget him, he was actually making the clearing more private. The river separates one side and the fence will stop anyone trying to come onto March's land.

"It's a good deal March. He's almost bomb-proofed the clearing. Look he's even going to put a fire break in."

"Is he saving the clearing or destroying it?"

"He's making it more private, and yes, he's protecting it beautifully."

"Is he still staring at me?" I looked over and Nudge winked.

"Yes." I almost giggled.

"Mike get me a coffee."

"Yes boss."

He leaned in further and said.

"What do I do now?"

"Tell him you will take it."

"Can you, I don't feel very well."

"It's all that exercise you just had."

"They will all laugh at me."

"Get up and go over and give him a real nice kiss, then tell him you will take it."

"Will that work?"

"It will shift the outcome, because then Jan will want one, then Michelle. You are going to be too busy handing out kisses for anyone to laugh at you."

"Do you mind?"

"Not at all and my cameras ready to go."

He got up and walked to the next table.

"Nudge stand up." He did what he was told then March planted a big smacker on his lips, surprisingly Nudge's legs buckled a little. The cheers and clapping started about then.

"And me." Jan stood.

"And me." Michelle stood.

"And me." Mike stood in line with a big grin on his face.

I looked at the page and the live feeds were updating fast.

"What's your decision Stephenson?" Nudge finally yelled.

"I will take it, and you're still a shit kisser."

"You were kissing the wrong end March. Try my ass."

"In your dreams."

He finished doing what he was doing and came back to me.

"My mouths sore now." I kissed his lips to make him feel better.

"Mike where's that coffee?"

"It will cost you another kiss."

"Mike!" He yelled. I got a good photo of him kissing Mike that will go into my wank album.

The posts were a plenty and the photos were awesome. The town is alive again and that was all accredited to a new housing estate, getting rid of the logging company, and March Stephensons kissing abilities.

Nudge sat with him and went through the proposal, I listened because March will ask me all about it later on. Cars turned up on trailers and dad and Mike went to help unload them. The crowd dispersed and the shops were busy again. March signed the contract and then went to see the cars. He drove me out to the tower and then pulled my jeans down to talk to my private area, it was a bit cramped, but ever so nice.

I took many photos of the area and deemed it a very nice campground in the making. Mike had picked Bobby up and I found out later they had done very much the same as us. At lunchtime he ate a full plate of lasagna with chips, exercise will do that to you sometimes. Mason didn't have play school so he helped dad and Mike fix some awesome sports cars, he then decided to have a nap.

"I'm glad the logging company has moved on Nicky, it must have cost Nudges company a bomb to buy that land."

"Yes, it wouldn't have come cheap March, so we won't give him anything to complain about. More business for the town and more jobs that's what it's all about."

"I agree as long as the clearing stays the way it is."

"The only worry is the new owners of the estate houses kids will want to play in it. I think I will start a rumour that it's haunted."

"Don't do that Nicky every kid within seventy miles will go there."

"Point taken but I don't see any gaps for them to get into the reserve anyway, Nudge has planned it out perfectly."

"How did he start his business March?" He went quiet for a few seconds.

"He got a loan and went from there, he bought some acreage and started building houses. When that finished he went on to do another three estates in other towns and now he's hitting the big time."

"So why did you pause?"

"Do I have to?"

"No, but I would like an explanation."

"He asked me to go into business with him and I declined. That was when I started buying small plots of land to protect the town. May and I had already divided up the farm, he knew I had money but I had already committed to conservation."

"Thank you March, you did a good thing." I kissed his lips.

"He got a bigger loan and went from there, I think Joel is one of his partners also, but I am yet to confirm it."

"Good, as long as he looks after him, and you. He knows what you're all about otherwise he wouldn't be selling off any land to you."

"He's my best friend Nicky, he's always looked out for me."

"I can guess that, otherwise you wouldn't have let him kiss me."

"He likes you."

"Three-way coming up?" I punched the air.

"No Nicky, why spoil the mystique."

"Good answer March Stephenson."

"Come on afternoon tea time, dad, Mike come on."

Mason had woken up and I carried him across the road.

"I think an early night for you baby."

"No daddy, too much to do."

"Like what?"

"Feeds my friends plays with them all that stuff."

"Okay well don't tire yourself out."

"I won't daddy."

I read some more posts and laughed at some of the videos, March was in his element today.

"You with me." Bobby had turned up and was pointing at Mike.

They walked across the road and he didn't come back for a while.

"What's that all about Nicky?"

"I would hazard a guess it will have something to do with you kissing Mike."

He started laughing along with dad.

"He's so much like you March, are you sure you're not his father?"

"No dad, what an awful thing to say. His father is unknown she only got married because she was pregnant. Bobby knows but isn't interested in pursuing anyone. She doesn't know who it is either, she had a choice of three guys." He smiled.

"That common was she?"

"Yes Nicky."

"You had better do a DNA test then," I said.

"What? No Nicky nothing ever happened. I was around fifteen when she had Bobby."

"You could still father a child then."

"Stop being so mean to March Nicky, behave yourself." I heard mum call from her window.

"Yes mum, sorry March."

"That's better."

I watched the street after that and tried to put that image of Rachael and March having sex out of my head. I doubt he is the father but they do have the same mannerisms and similar looks.

A sheepish Mike and a smiling Bobby came back to the table.

"It was just a joke Bobbins."

"I know, but he looked like he was enjoying himself a little too much. So I was reminding him who was the best kisser." Bobby smiled.

"And how was it?" March asked.

"It was good, and he said you were a shit kisser so I feel much better now."

"Right answer Mike." I winked at him.

They horsed around for a bit and Bobby had to leave, he said he was drawing up the plans for the new estate's electricity grid.

"So soon?"

"Under supervision March, like you do with Mike. My boss watches me too."

"I don't do that."

"Yes you do March, stop stirring Bobby," I said.

"Maybe a little."

"Time to cut the cord I think."

"Okay Mike you're on your own," He winked at dad.

Back to work and Mike was left alone to do his thing, lets face it three years of fixing cars Mike should be able to do it blindfold. I must get dad to show him how to do a starter motor rebuild.

I sat looking at the campgrounds again, then I went to the local page. March's outburst will be the brunt of many jokes in town for days to come.

It was around four thirty I started packing up and Brian (Brendas son) came in for a workout. He's a great looking kid and is fully committed to his training.

"Good your here Brian, you can start back anytime."

"Great, we were just talking about it today."

"Well you tell the guys they are back to work. I will leave it up to you to do the roster."

"Thanks Nicky, that was some video, everyone was laughing at school."

"I'm glad they liked it. But it's all sorted out now."

"So funny, and thanks for putting us back on." He went to change and I went to rustle up a husband.

"Time to go, spas waiting."

"Coming. Mike, dad go home." They didn't need to be told twice that roller door was down and lights turned off before March jumped in the car.

Mason did his thing and then he joined us in the spa, his ducks had returned and bobbed up and down as the jets tried to drown them.

"Bobby will be a full electrician in a few weeks, they sure do grow up fast."

"Yes they do, so enjoy Mase while you can. He's going to be an awesome young man March."

"How do you know that?"

"Because he has an awesome daddy."

My phone beeped and the message from Brenda was firstly a thank you for giving Brian some work and secondly the posters had arrived. Instead of handing them out she is going to leave a stack of them at May's shop so shop owners can pick one up. They will also be available at the chambers for that end of town.

She sat and looked out the window, the day had been bleak but she had hired eight very pretty girls that had cleaning skills. Her bookings were coming in fast and she answered just about every question with.

'Extras will attract a two hundred percent charge on your final account'

Now she has to make more plans, and as the money started rolling in Suzanne Webb moved to a small apartment in Soho.

While this was going on March Stephenson sat eating his dinner, hoping that Rachael was safe and at least contemplating writing a letter to her kids.

"What's next on your list Nicky?"

"Nothing much March, I think everything I had to do has been done. No more historical sites or buildings, just watch and see if it is all making money."

"It is or it will, maybe you should go for a drive over to the old silo."

"The small silver one at the old sale yards. Isn't that private property?"

"Abandoned long ago Nicky, been there for a long time. As you know it isn't big but can be seen all over town mostly."

"And why hasn't it been pulled down?"

"I don't know but it sure does need sprucing up."

"Anything else?"

"Not for the moment, research mural silos." I pulled the laptop over and turned it on. I did the search and yes, just like that I have a new project.

"How long have you been thinking about that?"

"Not long Nicky, I wanted to get the water tower organised first."

"And the subject?"

"I don't know, maybe 'sheep's' image or a boy and his dog. Maybe some settlers and wagons, some farmers maybe."

"Do I have time for this?"

"Plenty Nicky, this can be your crowning glory. Barry can do it."

"It will take him months and the old sale yards have to be demolished first."

"They do, it's a bit of a mess over that side of town."

He knows me so well, once the seed is planted my brain starts to go into overdrive.

'Who owns the sale yards' I sent a message to Brenda.

'The council, it was always town land only leased to the sale yards. When the last lease ran out the sales moved on years ago'

'Okay thanks'

'You're welcome, can I expect to be amazed?'

'Depends'

'Depends on what?'

'If Barry likes heights or not lololol'

"So you and Brenda have been talking about it?" I didn't know for sure, but I thought I might as well pretend I knew.

"Not at all, I was just thinking on my own."

"Okay, so have you spoken to Barry?"

"No, why would I do that?"

"Because he's your friend and if he does this project it will put him in the spotlight, his paintings will triple in price."

"I didn't think of that."

"Has he ever done ab-sailing?"

"Only with his kids." He was looking for more food so I got up and helped him.

I finally came face to face with him at the oven.

"Tell me, I am not being made a fool of March. How far ahead has your plan gone?" He kissed my nose.

"I was just thinking Nicky, no one else knows what is in my head. I promise you."

"I believe you. It's a great idea but will cost plenty."

"Maybe a fundraiser."

"Maybe." My brain went haywire and I can see a classic car raffle coming up.

I made him up a small snack and he went to sit again. Why do I have the feeling that he's already working on something new, now this is out of his head?

Donations are always gratefully accepted at NIFTY