March Stephenson

Chapter 17

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

I watched a truck pull up out the front of March's garage. Four men got out and they started unloading something, it was a car but it was wrapped in what looked like bubble wrap. They pushed it into the workshop and I saw March signing some paperwork. Two of the men took the transport and parked it around the back, the other two were looking up and down the street.

March came across the road and sat with us.

"Big job Nicky, full roadworthy check and oil change. I should have said something about it last night but I was too tired. I have blocked out your window and locked the door."

"Why?"

"Security Nicky, that car is worth a lot to its owner, the guys are here for security. Nothings going to happen to it, but the owner is very protective and it's in original condition, now I have to go and pick dad up. I think he fainted when they took the wrapping off." He laughed then I watched his ass as he crossed the road again.

"Well, that is a big job for him," I said to May.

"Looks like every move will be watched. Pre Nicky, he would be ranting by now because they will be in his way." She said. I laughed and had to go and see this beast, so I moved back and poked my head in the door. A man stopped me from going any further then he started putting the big door down.

"He's okay, come in Nicky."

"Who is he March?"

"Nicky, my boyfriend, he also runs the gym next door."

"Well keep him away from the boss's car please." He smiled at me. I looked at the beast and it looked like an old hotted-up Holden panel van to me. Dad was wiping his forehead and the other three guys were wrapping blankets over the engine bay.

"What is it?"

"A Holden Sandman, original condition, so please don't touch it." He smiled at me.

"There is something in here I would like to touch," I whispered.

"Thank you Nick, now I'm going to have a woody all day."

"I thought you might." I laughed and ducked under the door and went back to work. Mint condition my ass, it's all scratched, the paintwork is fading and the decals are hanging off it. But I was warmed by his words to the security guy, he introduced me as his boyfriend, which tells me he is much more comfortable with his gayness nowadays.

Back at the gym I had one machine that had stopped working, so I checked the fuse and miraculously got it going again, then I hopped on a walker and started my routine. Around twelve I heard his door go up and he came in and said.

"Come on, lunchtime."

Dad was already in the cafe choosing what he would like to eat. March used the microwave to warm up last night's leftovers and I grabbed a pastie. May was serving a few customers with her herbal tea, and mum was making a sandwich for her customer. Rose wasn't in again she had gone missing after May had come back, but I was assured she will be back to work soon.

I leaned in to ask mum why May was late, she told me she slept in again. I guess I would sleep in too if Jason was next to me, but then again maybe not. He sat and talked to dad about the car and they have done the initial grease and checks, they were excited to start it up after he fills it with nice clean oil, but no driving as per the owner's instructions.

As it happened the gym was quite busy today and as I sat and played a game on the laptop I heard an almighty roar, the others noticed it also, all thirty of them. I walked out to March's roller door it was half open and some of the guys followed me. The security guys held them back, the looks on their faces were priceless. They conformed to the request, they could look but not touch and all of them stood in awe. More guys came in and now we have a full platoon wanting to drive it. March sat proudly in the driver's seat and revved it a few times, then he had to give dad a go. As he told me there will be no driving around the block, the owner will do that when it's taken back home.

"What in the bloody hell is this all about? it's an old Holden panel van and it looks like it's falling apart. You guys, what's so special about this car?"

One red-faced hunk yelled out.

"It's a genuine shagging wagon woop woop."

I looked again shook my head and screamed.

"For fucks sake." Boys and their toys.

"All good to go boys," March said, a cheque was handed over and they began wrapping it up in bubble wrap. But before they did they let the guys take photos of it. It took them ages to load it up foot by foot and then they waved us goodbye and March headed across the road again, he ordered soup and two buttered rolls. I sat with him and asked a few relevant questions, then he lifted his eyebrows.

"The car is an Australian icon Nicky, many men and women lost their virginity in the back of those vans, mainly at the Drive-ins. Cal, who owns it lost his to his future wife, and he kept it the same as it was when they were married. He stored it away and it has become one of his best memories."

"What a load of rubbish."

"True story, he loves his wife and sometimes they use it to make out in, well most of the time, so I hear." He laughed.

"He didn't want any of the boys taking it for a drive, it's a real chick magnet Nick."

"So am I." I shyly smiled.

"When I get back, meet me in the shed." He smiled.

"Good." My hand slipped through the ripped part of his new overalls and I had a quick feel, yes he is more than ready to relive old times.

When I looked at the local site many photos of the "Shagging Wagon"

were now posted, and the comments were blushingly close to pornography. A few hundred comments and one, in particular, caught my eye.

'I remember it well.' Dad had posted.

'Umm so do I.' Mum answered, so I couldn't help myself and wrote a reply.

'Do you mean I was conceived in the back of an old wagon at a drive-in?'

'Maybe son.' Dad posted.

It rained for the next four days so we had to put up with the mud this time. With the guys coming and going I used the hose to clean the concrete out the front, it had got so muddy. March didn't fare so well and I caught him sweeping mud out of his workshop one day. He looked at me and smiled.

"Just cleaning up the workplace Nicky, nothing to see here." I laughed loudly, back to my game.

People were dragging their feet and everyone was so sick of winter, many heads were down and some pretty miserable faces were seen around town. When the rain finally let up, I gave the concrete a good hosing down and I did March's at the same time, that will be it until next winter I hope.

Our first flowery bush burst into bloom and it gave me hope that I could leave this winter behind and look forward to better days.

Our nights by the fire become fewer and fewer as we opted for our bed, I didn't mind and there's always next winter to look forward to. I sat at the table while March prepared to get into the tub, he stood outside the window and wagged his tool at me so I shut the laptop down and joined him.

Later in bed he asked me.

"Are you feeling okay now Nicky?"

"Yes March, it's just an awful memory, hopefully, the sunshine will send it away." I snuggled into him and closed my eyes, and I dreamt of the cold and woke up with the bedclothes off me. I moaned and settled them again, so in the morning I wasn't in a very good mood. March knew perfectly well I had been dreaming all night, he even had covered me up a few times. I will hopefully lose them soon when the sunshine comes to our town fully.

Four cars in today and news from mum, Annie is furious her son is still locked up without a trial. No one posted bail this time and the Canadian justice system has insisted he sees out the rest of his sentence for breaking bail conditions, which will be another two years behind bars. She is furious because she has forfeited her money and is doing double shifts to pay the loan off. I chuckled to myself March laughed loudly.

"So where does that leave me?" I looked at dad.

"Your trial will be heard and added to his current sentence Nicky."

I felt so sorry for Matt, but he had choices and chose the wrong path.

Four months after the kidnapping I received an email followed up by a summons to appear in court two weeks from now. My nerves were on edge all day and I was worried I may stuff it up. Dad March and I made the trip to his lawyers one sunny morning. He reassured me I wasn't the one on trial, I was the victim. It calmed me down a bit as I tried to think positively, and March took us out to lunch at his favourite hotel.

"We will have to pay for it this time Nicky, the general public pay."

He and dad ate up big and he didn't flinch at the cost when he paid it. They all sort of knew us from our other stays and welcomed us back, he said he will be having another holiday there when he finds the time. I thought we could stay there while the trial was on, there was no way the lawyer could give us a time when it would end. He told us it could go on for days, sometimes weeks but he didn't see this happening in my case.

When we got in I kissed and thanked March, although he was only there to observe he did have a few questions, mainly on how long will they get in jail. The hot tub was most welcomed and so was the back and shoulder massage I got from him. He likes to do that because he also loves my body and wants to touch it a lot.

"Don't be nervous Nicky, it is an open and shut case. He hasn't got a leg to stand on, your testimony and the security camera will place him here."

"I'm not so worried about it March, it's just going to court I have never even had a parking ticket, and going there makes me feel guilty for some reason."

"We had better get rid of that tension Nick, maybe we should ramp it up to four times a day." I started laughing which made me feel less depressed.

When we checked in to the hotel a couple of weeks later we were welcomed by name and March had the biggest smile on his face because he was going shopping again. He tried everything to distract me in the past few weeks, and I drew the line at four times a day, I just didn't have it in me. We had a wonderful rooftop dinner and he took many photos, my suit had been dry cleaned and I should come up quite good for my court appearance. His mouth and hands were all over me when I dressed, he wanted to incorporate the suit and tie into our love making sessions, where that came from I don't know, but I did laugh. We caught a taxi to the courthouse and were surprised to see a lot of the town folks had made the journey today, they were there to support me. I did have tears as each one of them, including Brenda and Rose hugged me. It was arduous and lengthy and all I could do was stare at Matt, he looked so sick and I avoided Annie's gaze several times, she was trying to intimidate me by looking now and then with a smirk on her face, we shall see my lady.

The jury was picked on the first day and Matt's lawyer changed his guilty plea to not guilty, he was questioned about it by the judge and it seems he may get off lightly by admitting he was a drug addict. The judge took it seriously and accepted the plea.

Day two and the trial starts, I was first into the witness box and I nearly crapped myself with nerves, that was until March whispered.

"I love you so very much." I felt a jab of bravery and walked to the stand. With the obvious questions out of the way, I told my side of the story and didn't falter.

It was when his lawyer started ranting and attacking me I took offence, he now had my backup.

"So you lived with the defendant for three years Mr. Wilson."

"That's correct."

"In that time did he ever abuse you, I think not, and I think he didn't abuse you this time either. I think you are lying. And I believe you still owe him a substantial amount of money for the house he bought. Any thoughts of paying it back?"

"To answer your second question, I have all the receipts for the house lodged with my lawyer if you would like to see them. All accounts that came with the buying of that property, its renovations and furnishing, half, were paid by me, I owe Mr. Shore absolutely nothing."

"And that first question?"

"Yes there was abuse, but it never came from me. The world he lived in was fake, a drug-addled farce of a world. He set me up with his agents and I was used as a casting couch incentive to further his career, in other words, he prostituted me out for his gains. He alienated my parents and family, he sold me for a cheap role in a movie to a producer. He would drug me and parade me around naked at his parties like his pet dog, in an attempt to further his star status."

"That is all hearsay." He was red in the face but he did ask, so I went on.

"The worst of it I will not mention here, and if there was abuse in that relationship, he was the absolute abuser. I had loved him at one stage, but now I am not afraid to say I detest him, and I hope he gets what he so richly deserves."

"So you offered yourself to his agents so he could get work?" This man has no clue.

"No, I don't take drugs and I don't drink or smoke, what he did to me he did to further his career. Sometimes he was so out of it he would smash everything in the house. He attacked me because he hated me, the relationship was lost long before that. Then he paraded his many lovers in front of me like they were trophies."

"I put it to you Mr. Wilson you took part willingly." Keep trying mate.

"Enough!" Someone screamed out, it was March.

"Please sit down young man or I will have you ejected from the courtroom."

"I apologise sir but Nicky isn't the bad one here he is the victim, and you shouldn't be talking to him like that. The real animal here is that guy." He pointed to Matt.

"Sit down." He sat and thankfully kept his mouth shut except to mouth. 'I love you' to me.

I was let off the stand moments later and Matt was called, he babbled on incoherently about my abuse and that's why he's like he is, he didn't get over the abuse by me and turned to drugs.

The detective that worked the case had all the relevant answers and the defence lawyer's attempt to discredit me had failed when he read out that he was still on probation for a drug charge in Canada.

My lawyer also said he has twenty witnesses lined up to testify I was badly abused. He didn't want to waste the court's time but he will call on them if needed.

The case was adjourned for lunch and while I was hugging March, Annie walked by. I don't know why but she turned around and came back and started attacking me, she was dealt with by the court attendants, then handed to the police to be charged.

"Everyone wants a piece of me today, I am so over it all," I whispered into March's ear after he pulled me into a vacant corner.

"Let's go and eat Nicky you will feel better after that."

I endured a very long afternoon of reviewing video evidence and my injuries, and then the jury retired to deliberate.

"We won't hear anything until the morning Mr. Wilson you are free to leave." The judge said.

I relived the night I had spent in the cold, the desperation I felt that I would never be found, and my near death from freezing. I wasn't in the mood to go anywhere so March ordered dinner up to the room. I wasn't saying much either and even the roast tasted bland, but I managed to eat half of it. He didn't say a word because he knew how I was feeling and the absolute humiliation of having to say those words in front of my family and friends, almost sent me insane as I replayed it in my head.

"Come to bed Nicky." I was naked when I crawled in next to him.

"I am so sorry March."

"Nothing to be sorry about Nicky, it will be over in the morning, then we will go shopping then back home. Whatever happens to him isn't your fault, it is his."

"Did you hear anything on Annie?'

"She attacked one of the police women, so she has two charges to answer now." He grinned.

"Good."

The next morning we had a big breakfast and he was all smiles as he ate it. I didn't eat much and he tried to coax me to have more but I wasn't interested.

At the courthouse, the verdict of guilty on all counts was read out. Matt started crying and his cohort sat there in shock. I was thinking he had believed all of Matt's lies and gone along with him not knowing the depth of his plans. He was sentenced to three years and Matt received eight all up including his Canadian sentence, there was no sign of Annie, but I'm sure she would have been informed.

We walked out and I was once again reassured nothing would appear on the local page as I was hugged by many of my friends. May held me the longest and whispered to me that we will have to have a long talk one day. Mum and dad did the same, I felt awful they had to come here and find out what their son had endured. I couldn't tell them at the time because I was too ashamed. Rose tried to smile as I hugged her, but she lost it as we walked up the street. I grabbed her and whispered in her ear.

"It's all over now, time to live in the present again my dear friend lets not go into the past again." She forced a smile and nodded. I have no idea what her story was and one day I will ask her. March was keeping everything upbeat, he had convinced May and Jason to come shopping with us. He changed his words to 'May look at this and this' as they almost ran through the stores buying up big. He spent some time in a jewellery store and told me to wait in the coffee shop, and when he returned he gave me a gold chain with a Saint Christopher hanging from it.

"This will keep you safe my love, if you don't want it hanging around your neck, hang it on your rear vision mirror."

He placed it around my neck and I thanked him with a kiss, it will stay right where it is for many years to come. I didn't buy anything because I have all I ever wanted back at the cottage. He had bags and bags of stuff and they matched May's bulky load.

"You would think they have never shopped in their lives," Jason whispered to me.

"I guess they haven't Jase. March told me after their last Christmas with their parents they never bought presents again. I will go out on a limb now and say they are both very happy and catching up with the pressies."

"I guess your right Nicky, and Nick if you ever want to talk one on one, I'm always available to you. I did psychology at University when I went to Melbourne and I am a good listener."

I smiled at him and gently said.

"So is March, but if I feel I need to talk more I will ring you, and thank you."

"Does he know everything?" I thought about it for a few seconds then said.

"No, there's no need for him to know it all." I think Jason saw something in my eyes and questioned it. There was more but I couldn't talk about it, certainly not to March Stephenson.

We went back to the hotel and grabbed our bags, March shook everyone's hands and said he will be back soon. I got handed a small bunch of flowers and a free dinner voucher to use when we come back, I got the feeling they all knew about the trial. He drove us home and I fell asleep on the way, it had all been so stressful for me, and I just wanted to shut out the white noise. We didn't go to the cafe he parked in our driveway and kissed me awake.

"We are home, Nicky."

"Thank God." I opened the car door and dragged myself inside then fell face down on our bed. I slept through dinner and when March was getting into bed, I opened one eye and he was smiling at me so I turned over. He can do anything he likes to me tonight but I don't need to participate. I slept a total of ten hours and between you and me, I didn't feel any better inside for having that rest.

He was up when I woke, I could hear him rustling around in the kitchen. I went to the toilet and then out the back room. The table was set and my eggs and bacon were served up.

"Thank you."

"It's all my pleasure Nicky, is there anything else?"

"No March, not at the moment."

"Okay we won't talk about the trial until you are well enough, but we will talk."

"I know, it's just I can't do that right now."

"I understand."

"No, you don't."

"I do you know." He smiled.

I kissed him on the lips and we started our breakfast. After we washed up we showered together, I saw no pulling back from me at all, if anything he wanted to be closer. I thought with my outburst he would see me in a different light but he hasn't.

"March, I want to say something and I hope you understand what I'm trying to say." He was washing my crotch so I leaned in and whispered.

"That person that lived with Matt was an entirely different man. He sometimes drugged me and used me for almost three years. What you see in front of you and who you see every day, is the real Nicky Wilson, that time in his life was a nightmare, but, this is the real me."

"I know Nicky, that's why I love you so much. There is nothing you can say to me that will upset me."

"I just wanted you to know that March, I love you so very much." I kissed him and one thing led to another and he was spread eagle on our bed in no time. I had to face my friends at some stage, Brenda true to her word deleted comments and had a pinned post saying all comments and postings about the court case will not appear on this page. We all should take a leaf out of some residents books and fight for our sanity, even though it may cause some difficulties along the way. I was happy to have that one posted and she is right, I should have fought back I should never have succumbed to Matt's abuse.

I put a pair of jeans and a t-shirt on today but before I left he made me change into my tank and shorts.

"Don't let them get to you Nicky, I will see you at work, you are running in today." He smiled and kissed me. I opened the front door and had to leave later because my front verandah was full of flowers and cards. He kissed me and said.

"Have fun."

"But......" He was in that truck and waving me goodbye before I could finish. I spent an hour trying to find buckets that didn't leak and vases to save the beautiful blooms.

I arrive at work breathless and the guys all greeted me with smiles on their faces, some were probably thinking I am weak to put up with it, but some will be genuinely concerned. It was all over the internet anyway, if they wanted to read up on the trial. I saw mum sitting outside, she was having her morning coffee, so I asked dad if he could come with me. He followed me across the road and I made him sit, March was watching me but I think he thought he had better not interfere.

"I am sorry you had to hear all that mum and dad, I never told you because I felt so bloody guilty."

"Son, we were shocked, but we understand. Don't ever feel guilty about someone else's screwed-up life Nicky. There are a lot of things we want to say to you like, why didn't you come home to us? But we aren't going to do that to you. Just be happy and live the best life you can, and if you want to talk we are here, or just up the road. We doubt you will have any trouble with March, but if you do, you have to promise you will come to us." Dad was the spokesman, mum held my hand.

"March is keeping it real for me mum and dad, I have no idea how he feels deep down but on the surface he's still a rock."

"He loves you, son, the other fool never loved you as March does. He would do anything for you Nicky, not only him but May and Jason and the whole town if I was to be truthful. I'm your mum why didn't you come to me?" She started crying and May walked out.

"I thought the less you knew the better mum, just sitting back at home in the kitchen with you was enough to make me take a deep breath and get on with it. You did help me in all sorts of ways mum but you didn't know it at the time." She took a tissue and wiped her eyes.

"Getting a little intense over here is it?" March said as he came over to us.

"Just talking March, that's all." Mum took a deep breath.

"It's over." He smiled.

"It's over and he won't come back, by the time he's released he will hopefully be a better human being, but in the meantime, we get on with our lives. Mum Dad, thank you for what you do for Nicky and me, and May, you will forever be in our hearts. Let's just concentrate on the now and the future, the past is over." He kissed my hand and mum kissed him.

"Is that all son?" Dad asked.

"Yes, dad, and thank you."

"That's okay, now I have a very stubborn bolt to get out." He kissed my head and went back to work.

"I hope he doesn't hammer his finger, Nicky." March smiled.

I started laughing then sang out.

"May get the medical box out."

"Coming up." She yelled back.

March and I had an early lunch he was hanging out to go to the river and test the waters but I still felt cold inside and we decided to wait until we got home. Mum had tempted us with yet another corned beef meal so we will go to their place tonight. Surprisingly May and Jason will be there also, I don't want to relive everything again but I will speak to May soon. She is a wonderful sister-in-law and she deserves to know everything.

I had only taken one step through the doorway when he attacked me. I was shown out the back and dumped in the hot tub, he undressed and I giggled. After having his wicked way with me, and after we both released some tension he pulled me into his arms and we spoke about the things I had never told him. He listened with tears and I spoke at length but not going into any of the finer details.

"Now we put it to rest Nicky."

"We put it to rest my love."

We showered and dressed to go to mum's, May and Jason were already there and I whispered to May that I will speak to her very soon, she said she was only concerned for me. I told her March knows the whole story now if she wanted to ask him, but I am okay at the moment. She hugged me and said.

"I am only concerned for you Nicky, not March I already know how he feels about you. You have found yourself a good one in him, he will never let you down."

"I know, thank you."

March had already loaded his plate up, he and dad were sitting at the table while Jason laughed. May pushed him aside to get to the meal, everyone was on a high tonight because we had put it to rest. We talked about the rubbish they had bought each other when in the city, and I think they are going there again to see who can buy the ultimate piece of junk from the two-dollar stores.

"Dad, when can I expect the lawyer's account do you know?"

"All paid son, leave it to daddy." He grinned.

"Any news on Annie?"

"A thousand dollar fine, and no record, you didn't have to appear there were too many witnesses." Something good at long last.

The night was full of jokes and laughter, it was all for me, they were trying to bring me back to 'normal'

In bed that night he didn't want to make love to me, he wanted to watch me go to sleep. I gave up teasing him and turned over, then he jumped on me, he does that sometimes.

The next day was sunny and we sat on the porch and had breakfast. He told me he had a big day so I wasn't to annoy him for sex, three cars, and one camper. The backpackers are starting to appear now the good weather is upon us. The camper was old but in very good nick, the occupants had booked into the hotel for two nights while March serviced their ride, then they were off around Australia. I did think at the time I would love to do that, but thinking back to March's words I forgot that adventure, he had said we were staying right where we are.

I started my day with a broken belt so I went about fixing a new one on the walking machine. I am getting quite good at doing that, next year I will be March's apprentice I think. He watched me haul a new one out of the back shed then he followed me into the gym. There was no way he would let me do it on my own, fingers get jammed and all that. When he finished I bought him a coffee and some of mum's soup, with two bread rolls, buttered. He smiled as he ate and I asked him if he would show me the inside of the camper.

"When dad goes to lunch." He winked. I guess me not annoying him for sex is off the table.

We were just about to test the bed when there was a knock on the door.

"March, someone wants to see you." I settled the bed and walked out with him, I looked at dad and said.

"Just testing that the springs are good to go." He sniggered and replied.

"Sorry son."

The guy that wanted to talk to him was a client, he wanted to book some cars in, so I went across the road. March was leaning into the doorway talking but he was watching me so because it was a sunny day I took my top off, I then turned around and dropped the back of my shorts a little.

"You can stop it right there." He yelled out to me, I quickly pulled them up and turned again, and waved. I was being a tease, I know March is very busy and he won't have any time for me today, so he said. So I turned again and went to go into the cafe to get a coffee, and seven women and men clapped me, I bowed and said.

"Next performance same time tomorrow." My face was red but what can I do, Sometimes my actions don't match my surroundings, and March had it coming he should have been quicker in that van. I took a cake and coffee and sat again placing my tank top back on I basked in the sun. It was good to feel it on my skin and I knew March was still watching me, he isn't getting much work done today even though he's busy.

The first time we went to the river it was still freezing, a month later it was bearable as I slipped into the water with my favourite toy boy, he nearly screamed and I laughed.

"Move around some March your body will get used to it."

"No, that's it for me my river it is too cold, let's go home to the hot tub. Nicky, we should leave it for another month."

"Okay, another month then." I was prepared to shiver through our swim but was so glad when we went home and got into the hot tub. Our home was now finished and I have a second shower and toilet thanks to Ron and March. I doubt whether it will ever be used but it did suit the place and it looks perfect. March was now picking up small defects and fixing them but they were few and far between.

Rose was back in the cafe, and May was going into Jason's work to learn all about his business. I doubt she will ever give up her shop, it's a good money earner and she does love the ambiance of our little town. Many times she laughed at my antics with her brother, I was on a mission to make him the horniest man in town and it worked. I guess I am placing some fun back into his life and May is coming along for the ride. Rose is also riding along, I could hear her laughing with mum inside the cafe, I guess the topic was all about me and it was good to hear her being happy.

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