March Stephenson

Chapter 76

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

I watched the shoppers going about their business and they were mostly smiling except for March Stephenson. He is missing out on his morning tea.

"Where have you been?"

"Helping May she wants to open Saturday."

"The tourist busses?"

"You know about them?"

"Yes Nicky, keep up." He grinned.

"It all seems so quick to me."

"They want to push the fact there's still a dig going on, the council workers are there at the moment clearing that walking track so they have access."

"So the crossing won't be finished by then?"

"It will Nicky, just some posts for the flags and white lines painted across the road, it doesn't take long."

"What about the warning lights?"

"They are using the mobile one, and will install proper lights in the next few weeks."

"My god you have been busy."

"Not me, Brenda, she rules with an iron fist."

"I guess she does, what do you want for morning tea"

"I thought you would never ask, I will have a pie thank you."

"March before I go and get them, is this all part of your plan to shut me out?"

"No Nicky, I was going to tell you at lunchtime. I wouldn't shut you out. I wanted to give you some time to relax a bit, so you can get some more good ideas."

"Okay, coffee?"

"Yes please." He grinned.

"And Nicky?"

"Yes."

"There will be a street party Saturday, for the opening."

"Is there, I wanted to go to Barry's exhibition."

"Saturday night, it starts at six, read the ad again."

It's going to be a big day, and when I got back he was sitting with dad.

"Sorry dad, do you want something while I'm up?"

"It's coming Nicky."

"Dad, when are you going to stock your shop, the others are almost open?"

"Plenty of time for that son,"

"But you would do good on Saturday."

"Leave it to me kid, Rome wasn't built in a day." He chuckled.

"Okay." I filled my face with meat pie and March matched me.

I had noticed newspapers were covering his windows maybe he and mum had been sneaking out at night to set it all up. His extra room hasn't been delivered but he has plenty of room.

The bench outside my gym that was taken from March's small park was being taken by Jason and a mate, and it was hauled down to the front of May's shop. Dad was watching too and he said.

"Too late, I had my beady eyes on that piece of furniture."

"She's quick dad, did you give it to her March?"

"It was her's in the first place, I just moved it across the road."

I laughed.

"You can get them at Bunnings dad, they aren't very expensive."

"I have two antique ones coming son, don't worry about me."

"Where did you get them from?"

"Faith, she had them in her shed so I made her an offer when we were out there after Christmas. I am waiting for Hank and Tom to deliver them. Mark will bolt them to the pavement."

May came across to check on Rosie, she had Rose out the back babysitting.

"Nearly there, just some special dump tables to be done and then the milkshake bar to be set up, I need a coffee." She went inside and dad chuckled.

"What's the joke?" March said.

"I hired people to set my shop up, they finished last night. All I have to do is open the front door. May's working her ass off because she's too tight to part with her cash."

"So you're all set to go?"

"Son I have been in business for years, and I know one thing. If you have to do it yourself there's something wrong with your business plan."

"Take me across and give me a look."

"Saturday son, no peeking before the event. Bring Mason early, there will be clowns and face painting, maybe a magician or two and one magical fairy, waving her wand." He laughed.

"Who is organising the street party March?"

"The council Nicky."

"You mean we didn't vote on it?"

"I think you put a stop to voting for anything baby, it's free range from now on."

"It will get messy."

"Then read the rules Nicky, and stick to them."

I sat back and sulked. I have read the rules three times and it says we have to vote. This is Brenda's way of telling me not to run wild with my power.

I guess two can play that game, when I got back to work I searched for what I needed and started talking to the administrator. They didn't have to be asked twice and the Mini Club of Victoria will do a run to our town on Saturday, maybe give the kids a ride around the block and I might just join them. It will be a big day and when I looked, dad had placed a sign on his window, opening Saturday morning at eight am. He also announced it ahead of the others on just about every local page within a ninety-mile radius. It was open slather after that. May had rushed to get her announcement on it, Town and Country placed an ad that they were opening also, and the information centre had already opened. People came from everywhere and I took many photos of the lead-up, they will be posted on the website.

I waited until lunchtime to launch my big announcement, May and Jason were there and having a go at dad for not telling them.

"And what's this about magicians and clowns?"

"Opening day May, I have to have some sort of attraction to get the folks into the shop." He grinned.

"Is it for everyone?"

"You can come and get your face painted if you like."

"March!"

"Sorry sis, but you didn't plan it too well."

"Nicky!" I sat and laughed my head off then I uploaded my comment, and my announcement went live.

I could see they had diverted traffic on Main street for the afternoon, and men were painting the bright white stripes across the road, the amber warning lights were being tested and the local cop was going through his paces, he would be doing the crossing until the new lady arrives.

The mayor came running down the street and I braced myself for a tongue-lashing.

"Coffee and cake please Mary." She shouted.

"Coming up lady Mayor." Mum shouted back.

She sat and stared at me, I shrugged.

"So you went against the rules again." March looked at me puzzled.

"No I didn't, can you read them again." That confused her.

"You organised a car club to arrive on Saturday, where the hell are we going to park them, that's council business."

"May I remind you with all due respect Mayor Brenda. I am a business owner first and foremost. The mini club will be parked outside my place of business, this is something that I can give back to the community. Nothing to do with the council. And if it is council business you want to talk about, why are you rushing the zebra crossing through? It's clear to me that Main Street will be closed on the weekend and it won't be used at all, but I guess we all voted to speed up the installation." That stumped her, and mum placed her coffee and cake in front of her, eat that tubby, I said to myself.

"He's got you there Brenda." March had to go and say.

"You should have warned me March Stephenson." She answered.

"I didn't know, it seems that my Nicky isn't even confiding in me nowadays." May burst out laughing and I howled into her shoulder, then I struggled to say.

"I guess you two should have had a meeting." Again I had to stand up and go inside, l couldn't stop laughing and it was starting to hurt.

By the time I sat down again, things had calmed down, but they were all eyes when Keith erected the sign in my car park. 'Mini club of Victoria parking only Saturday.'

May had to go because she has too much work to do and her ice cream arrives tomorrow, she has to turn her freezers on. The crossing stripes had been done, the council workers could be quick when they wanted to be. I grabbed March's hand and we started walking up the street to get our son.

"Come on mayor, we will walk you home."

She didn't say anything except to thank mum for the coffee and cake, she huffed at me when we got there then she hugged me and went to do some actual work.

Mason jumped up and down and March took him, he's got lots of news today and had heard there was going to be magic at grandad's place. We walked on the other side of the road and stopped to look into dads windows which were now being cleaned. Mason screamed when he saw dad and kept saying.

"Magic, magic, magic."

Dad placed his hand behind Mason's ear and pulled out a gold coin. I had forgotten dad did some sort of silly tricks when I was young. He showed Mase a few more and then it was time for a nap.

"Why didn't you tell me about the mini club?"

"You should have asked me what I was contributing to the day." I grinned.

"Sorry."

"That's better, keep up"

"Shed?"

"Yes."

"You always know how to get me going, I could have fucked you in front of everyone at that table today."

"I know." And I did know that the forceful funny Nicky will always float his boat.

The excitement around town reached a fever pitch by Saturday morning. We were up really early and it was going to be a long day. March did suggest we have a nap at some stage, and May had hired several temporary staff to help in both of her shops. People were up early, they were outside Mays cafe and down at the digs. The zebra crossing had been abandoned and the local cop was up the road diverting traffic. Mason wanted nothing more than to sit in dad's shop, so I took him up there after we had parked. He said he would be his helper for the day which got our kid very excited.

My minis were let through the blockade and were settling in for whatever time they freely donated. I had a ball and they were amazed at the little one I had brought into work. They asked about the restoration and I gave them Joel's and March's cards to advertise on their site and to hand around.

The kids were in awe when some got there and were begging for rides, one certain fairy princess almost went through the six cars, she wanted a ride in all of them.

Three full busses were sent through and parked on the other side of the road, and by nine-thirty the whole town was out and about. Thankfully it is going to be a hot day and May's new shop was very busy selling ice creams. Other shops opened and I saw more than one wooden horse leave the toy shop. The tourists went to the digs and I saw loads of kids with their faces painted running up and down. Town and country were selling up a storm with their opening sale, many shoppers had bulging bags in their hands. My mini men had to have a tour of March's garage and especially his old truck, Joel is getting highly praised today, and when he and Michelle with the kids arrived, he was pulled into a talk on how he restored mine.

I had placed a reserved sign on our usual table and March and I went to sit and have something to eat. Mum was flat chat, she didn't have time to scratch, so I served up something for us and reserved meals for lunch.

She had some opposition as March's cousins Ben and Brock had a spit roast going with some veggies, but mainly rolls and gravy, I could see by their smiles they were having a ball. Hot dogs and pies were on offer also. May had set up a hot food table outside her shop to catch the passing crowd. Jack had ordered more cowboy outfits and they swayed in the gentle breeze, he was also giving away balloons to the shoppers, I hope Mason didn't see them. Music was heard and laughing was the order of the day, fun times were had by everyone.

Tom Hank Faith and Ethan arrived and they sat with us to have coffee. Tom looked stunning in his shorts and tank, and I saw March more than once adjust himself under the table. The tourists started coming up for food and to go through the shops it was like a feeding frenzy.

We talked for a half hour and then Faith needed to go have a look, she thought she might buy the grandkids some old-fashioned sweets, but I saw her duck into town and country on the way. It was just after she left that my son arrived with one of dads colourful fairies. Lily and him sat down and proceeded to tell us about their morning. Lily was eyeing off the minis, and out of nowhere one was started up, so let another ride begin.

"Come on Mase, rides are on again." She took his hand and they darted across the road. I thought I had better do something and went to get mine into gear.

Four kids jumped in and I drove carefully around the circuit. The Jones boys crammed into it and teased me relentlessly by grabbing my package and showing me their dicks.

"Park here Nicky we got something for you to chew on." I nearly fainted laughing, but I had to concentrate on the road and the crowd.

When I had enough I went to catch a break in the gym. My car had been confiscated by the mini lovers and they put it through its paces. By my desk was a brown paper parcel it read 'Thank you' on the outside, and when I opened it I knew who it was from. Barry had done a family painting of March, Mason and me, it was awesome, we looked so real and he had placed me in my shorts, and March and Mason in torn overalls, it was perfect, March was perfect.

I carefully put it in the back shed, then went to find Barry. He was outside dads to the left and was displaying his paintings, they were for sale and quite a few tourists were looking at them. I walked up and kissed his cheek, he blushed as I thanked him profusely. The comment on the page was.

'Barry 1'

I guess I will meet Mrs Barry next.

"It's awesome, I can't wait to come tonight and see what else you have."

"By the looks of it, I may have to cancel. I'm selling these like hotcakes."

His grin was huge.

"Really?"

"No, these are my everyday ones, the better ones are already at the gallery."

"Well I am in awe of you, you should open a gallery here."

"No time Nicky."

"Then make time on the weekends, there is a big space going begging at the old water tower, the tourists will be going there also."

"Really?"

"Give it a few months but make your interest known to Brenda we can vote on it at our next meeting." He started laughing.

"Thank god I am not involved with all that, I would never get the time to paint or do some work."

"It's not that bad Barry, she does a great job."

"With March right behind her."

"With March right behind her." I parroted.

And he was behind, me.

"Nicky do you feel like a rest?"

"Come on big boy, I have something to show you." As we left Barry was wrapping up another of his masterpieces for an excited customer.

We checked that Mason was being looked after then snuck into the shed.

He was gob-smacked when he saw it leaning against the wall.

"You look beautiful Nicky, he has offered to do one several times but I didn't want him to bother."

"Well, I am glad he didn't take any notice of you."

"Can we do it now?" I dropped to my knees and undid his jeans then started loving my man.

Mason was tired when we went to look for him. Mark was keeping an eye on him and Dianne and him were serving up a storm, there were other workers around some I knew, some I didn't. Lily flitted around with her wand as March bundled up our son to go find a quieter spot in the back of an old car. My mini-club members were leaving, they had to get home but they thanked me for the invite and said they would come again tomorrow, not all but a few. I settled both my boys in for a nap then went across the road. My friend Julie was there, and after a big smooch I found out she was Mrs Barry, so here we go again.

Faith was sitting amongst all her shopping and May was resting again.

"How's it going" I leaned over and asked.

"My God, if every day was like this one I would have to close down. The stock is running out the door, and I lost count of how many ice creams we have sold. I had to come over to stash the cash in the safe." She smiled.

"Well it's a big day for everyone, Joel has been booking cars in for restoration

, Barry is selling heaps of his works and how did you go March?"

"Cars have been booked in over the next few weeks, thank you for the business Nicky."

"You're welcome."

The riot started not long after, when the music was turned up and the Jones boys had corralled some local ladies and were showing them their poses, short of flashing dicks around they started stripping much to everyone's delight.

"If you take one item off Nicky, I will never speak to you again," March whispered, he knows me so well. Hank and Tom joined in and March got an eyeful of Tom's awesome butt as he lifted his shorts a bit.

"Come on March." I grabbed his hand to drag him onto the street.

"No Nicky, I said no, sit down." He protested, but by this time I had my tank top off and his overalls down to his waist. We danced for the crowd and March was almost raped on Main Street, he took off towards the garage laughing his head off and screaming.

"No more."

I dressed and sat down again as the Jones boys danced on, they were good at it too, so sexy. Tom and Hank arrived and couldn't stop laughing at everyone's antics, then it was the lady's turn to show off.

May had left to go back, and I went to check on my son, he was now with Rose. March came back and he picked him up.

"If you want us we will be at home."

"Can't I come with you?"

"Of course you can, bring the mini I don't want it scratched."

They left to go on home, and I followed not long after, I had to go

and get our lunch and I told mum I would see her later on, I had to have a nap myself. She said she was going to lie down in March's old bedroom and she had staff relief coming in soon.

I put the mini to bed and then went inside, Mase was playing with 'Sheep' and I rang Faith to see if she would babysit for an hour or two tonight. She was back at home and of course, she would do that job for us.

Mum and dad will be coming with us, and dad will close his shop at five.

I did notice a big sign had been placed on the cafe window, telling shoppers the food bar had sold out, so mum would have gone home also.

"March, I think I will have a lay down after we eat. Faith is babysitting tonight

it's on the way to the gallery for us."

"Good, I'm hungry. It has been a great day Nicky, I believe Brenda is as tired as hell from what i'm hearing."

"She should have called her councillors in to help." I laughed as I opened the food containers. No time for plates. Mason had his chips and gravy and March had his oversized roast beef straight from the plastic tub.

My dozing was disturbed by March, he had locked the doors and placed Mase in front of the TV then thought he might as well have a nap with me. After a lot of foreplay and an orgasm each, we finally drifted off.

I got two hours in but he wasn't with me when I woke. He was asleep on the couch with Mason. We had an hour and a half so I sat on the back porch and listened to the music playing from down the street, it would all die down around seven then Brenda could have a good night's sleep.

March had his coffee, and then we both showered. Mason was excited to see his horses and I gave him three carrots to feed them. March drove to the farm and we were once again greeted by Hank and Faith, we kissed our baby then before he realised we were abandoning him we drove off.

We won't be long and will meet mum and dad there.

Fifteen minutes later we pulled into the car park, which was almost full. I talked to a dead tired mum and a pretty wide-awake dad.

His minions had locked up for him and he had caught an hour's sleep, poor mum she had stayed and helped in the shop. The doors opened and about forty people rushed inside, the champagne was flowing and there they were. The man of the moment Barry, and his wife Julie were greeting everyone. I looked at his artwork, it was awesome there was nothing that suggested he had done local art it was all his random ideas. His Zoo animals were the best, and I know Mason would love it on his walls. He wasn't charging enough in my mind and when I talked to March about it he said he already bought it.

"I hope you didn't try and get a discount."

"No, Nicky what do you take me for, he offered I rejected. It will look good on his wall won't it?"

"Great minds think alike March, and I forgot to grab the one he did for us it's still in the shed."

"We can pick it up tomorrow, let's have a look in this room."

It did have a theme, the ten paintings on the wall were of the forest, in particular March's and my clearing.

"I didn't paint this for you both, I genuinely think it's the prettiest place around here.'

"We will take it," March said.

While the gallery assistants wrapped the paintings up March paid for them. We won't buy anymore it will look like a charity purchase and I doubt whether

there will be much left on the walls, mum had one under her arm and dad had two for his shop. He was talking to Barry about putting some on his walls to sell for him, so I guess business will be good for him in the future.

Poor Brenda looked well and truly stuffed when I ran into her, she had only just arrived.

"How did it end up?"

"Good Nicky, everyone had a wonderful day."

"You look tired."

"I am, I only had Joel and Nudge working with me."

"Should have called a meeting Mrs Mayor." I giggled as I walked out to the car. We went to pick Mason up he was asleep and Faith's home was quiet, we sat and talked about the gallery and thought there may not be much left for tomorrow night's viewing.

"He always holds stuff back Nicky, he will have plenty on sale."

"I will try and get him the water tower gig, he can turn that into a gallery."

"Too far out, he needs the tourist trade and that's in town."

"Dad's shop it is then." I couldn't be bothered I was getting tired myself.

Back at home we put the boy to bed and sat on the sofa.

"Nicky, can you do me a favour?"

"Anything March."

"Can you not take the piss out of Brenda anymore, she's a great mayor."

"I know, i'll stop, I have ordered a huge bunch of flowers to be sent to her in the morning, a thank you present from us. She should be happy with that."

"That's a great gesture."

"I put a naked picture of you in with the card."

"What?"

"Let's go to bed." And we did, no nookie tonight, just sleep.

I knew Sunday wouldn't be as big as yesterday so I didn't rush to get down the street. I got a message from Brenda saying what a lovely man I was, and after a few back and forths we were best friends again.

When we got there the council was cleaning up the street, and there were fewer people around. The new shops were all open and the staff were busy restocking them. The street was still closed off but we were let through. He parked outside the garage and then said he would meet me across the road. I had to go check the toilets and showers out, I had opened them to the public to use yesterday. The graffiti was in your face, a big get fucked poofta was written across every wall. I nearly punched a hole in one wall that read paedophiles. My first encounter with some horrible people, I deemed it was kids maybe older teens, hopefully the cameras have picked them up. I started taking photos and had to swallow my anger, there is no way I can get this off the walls so it looks like a complete repaint.

There were six men in the gym all of them I knew, they wouldn't have done this to us.

"I apologise guys looks like the kids have been having some fun."

"It's okay Nicky, we were going to clean it off but though you might like to handle it."

"Thank you Gus. I will look at the camera footage."

The embarrassment was now showing as I felt my face heat up. I know it wouldn't be any of the local kids, well any of the ones we know. I didn't know what to do first, March was waiting for me so I couldn't sit here watching videos, so I took the memory stick from the main box and placed a new one in. Walking across the road my immediate reaction was to get some paint and cover it all up. I will do that after I call the police which will spark a rush of inquiries from town folk. I needed to talk to dad about it. I made coffee and looked at mum, she was still tired.

"An early day for you I think mum,"

"I agree son, I sat up last night and cooked the roasts for today, but I have a couple of ladies coming in after lunch."

"Mum, I'm sorry." I stood there and stared at her.

"Nothing to be sorry about Nicky, I just worked too long yesterday, whatever is the matter?" She darted out from the back of her counter and took me in her arms. I hadn't realised the tears had started flowing and I tried so hard to keep them at bay.

"Nicky come with me." She led me out the back and sat me on May's sofa.

I kept saying I was sorry to her, and I was. Because I knew she would be upset.

"Tell me son what's got you all in a bother today?"

I took my phone out and showed her the photos.

"What dreadful brats, I'll tear them another asshole if I catch up with them." I have never heard mum talking like that, ever.

"Mum, it just shocked me that's all, I want to look through the security footage before I do anything. This is so upsetting for everyone. Now I have to walk around town thinking one of my town folk has done this to us. It sounds like kids because they got the spelling wrong. I was going to call the police but I didn't want to announce it to the town. I think I will just paint over it and talk to them on my own."

"Son, they can't get away with it, apart from some nasty words they have defaced your business, have you told March?"

"Oh god no, he will either go ballistic or go back into hiding and I don't want that for him."

"He will find out son, it's best it comes from you."

"I know, I know, but it's going to be hard."

"What's going to be hard Nicky, and why have you been crying?" He always walks in at the most inopportune moment.

"Somethings happened March, Nicky has something to show you. I will go and get you both a coffee, now talk Nicky."

I handed my phone to March, he sat down and his arm went around me as he flicked through the photos.

"What have you done so far?"

I sniffed and started again.

"Nothing, I just took the security chip out."

"Leave this to me."

"No March please don't get involved, I don't want you to go back to where you were. You have come so far and this is just evil. I know but it doesn't solidify who we are."

"I know Nicky, leave it to me," I cried into his shoulder and mum came back with our coffees.

"I have rang dad he will know what to do."

May and Jason arrived with little Rosie, the look on her face said it all, she had been crying also.

"They got to you too?"

"Yes Nicky, my nice new little house is covered in racist comments." She sat and mum went to make more coffee for them. I couldn't read Jason's face, but I knew he was upset. May showed us her photos, and it was him and little Rosie the words were aimed at, words I won't repeat here, but half-cast was mentioned in regards to them both. It was disgusting to read and when I showed them ours May's tears started again and I joined in.

"We have work to do Jase, come with me." He and Jason both left and I sat with mum and May just staring out into the gully. When dad arrived we told him what had happened and he didn't look too happy either.

"Not you too?"

"No, they couldn't get into the shop but they did manage to do some damage to Mark's house."

"Oh my God, not Lily?'

"Yes Lily, a little girl that never harmed anyone, that Lily."

"It sounds like they have covered the town dad,"

"Breda is vetting comments and photos, there were a couple of your gym on there and she's made a very stern announcement."

"I will paint over it dad, today if I can. What about the police do you know if they are involved?"

"Mark called them first thing this morning, they will call in on May's shop and now the gym."

"I didn't want that, it will make March feel so awful if it hits the news, not to mention Jason and Lily."

"They are handling it Nicky, nothing has been announced and when they get photos and footage I will help you to paint over it all. May had forgotten to turn her security camera on, but Mark will have some from the house across the road."

"They are looking for something now dad," March took my memory stick and he and Jason ducked across the road.

"We need to copy it before the police confiscate it. Maybe we can see something they don't." He said he would be back in a minute and left us to it.

"May are you okay?"

"Yes Nicky, it was just a shock to think someone that lives here would do such a thing, do you think that's what people think about Jase and Rosie?"

"No, it's no one from this town or the surrounding ones either. Jason has lived here most of his life, people went to school with him, they know him."

"I just can't understand some people, why do they always see the outer skin but not the person?"

"I don't know May, but I do know people can be blind. I still think it's kids though."

"Horrible little buggers," Mum said.

"I will ring Rose and Faith and see if they can come in early, May are you going to paint over it all?"

"Yes mum, but I don't want to spoil my new walls, but understand it has to be done I have closed it off to the public today."

"I should have done that to mine," I stood up and said I would be back in a minute.

I walked across the road, and there were people everywhere, especially outside the cafe. A quick silence was heard as I walked out but I ignored everyone and kept on going.

March, Jason and dad were looking at the computer, I walked down the back and placed my never-used 'Out of order' sign on the door then locked it.

I then went back to see how far they had advanced.

"It would have happened after we went home March, it was fine when I did my final sweep over it."

"Fast forward a few hours Jason." He did that but there was nothing yes I had people in the gym and some younger kids used the facilities but that was before I went because I could see myself sitting at the desk. One guy used it but I know him he's a regular and an old lady went into it a half hour later. I didn't think she would have done it, she had a horrible limp.

Then it was quiet except for the guys. I will ring one of them to find out if the walls had been damaged when he used them, maybe he saw something.

The police arrived and I gave them a statement, they looked at the bathroom and took photos then they took the security footage.

March was upset, and they tried to calm him down. He knows them and they did say they were on to it, and nothing will be released to the public. He was more concerned about me and Mason than himself, a big improvement from when we first met. They left and told us to ring them later on for any updates.

Dad thank god had copied the disc so we decided to go back to the cafe and watch it on May's TV.

Donations are gratefully received at Nifty