March Stephenson

March Stephenson

Chapter 81

Maxieplus.

March yelled and I looked at him.

"What's the matter?"

"New kitchen. It comes with a new cooktop, oven, and range hood. Only three months old three towns over. Three hundred dollars Nicky. How do I buy it on the marketplace?"

I looked at it, and yes it was awesome with loads of cupboards. I sent the seller a message and got a big one back.

"They want it taken out before next weekend, they have decided to build a new house instead of renovating, and this one won't fit in it. A bloody bargain March."

"Did you say we will take it?"

"Yes, she's sending her phone number. Can we get it dismantled in that time?"

"Yes they are easy to pull apart, I will get Ron and Barry onto it."

He grabbed the phone and rang Ron.

"Yes it's a bargain Ron, so no dramas for you to drop it at the school?"

"Okay. I can help you." He laughed then hung up.

"He's going to grab Barry and if you send him the lady's phone number they will coordinate the pickup."

"Great I wonder if she has a fridge she wants to get rid of

?"

"I will ask her."

She was a gold mine, and by the time I hung up we had scored a near new double door fridge, and a washer and dryer for an extra two hundred. I was so excited and we will buy these items for Mike.

"Look Nicky, a second-hand trailer, only a hundred bucks."

"Don't go too crazy March, we don't have the room and you already have one."

"You're no fun Nicky."

"See if there are any drivable minis March. Mike might like one to tinker with."

"Good idea, this is so much fun." He sat there for the next hour and I rang May to see how they were. She said she was feeling a lot better. I told her it was probably just a twenty four hour bug. She said she knew that. I can't help anyone today with my extensive nursing knowledge. Well Mrs May Atkins be it on your head, because it could come back.

We didn't tub it tonight we spent most of it eating and looking at marketplace. He saw a few items he wouldn't mind and I showed him how to bookmark them. There was a mini but it cost more than Mike's school house so I said no.

There was frost this morning, and I believed what my weatherman told me. A frosty morning means a sunny day. He was right again and by the time we got to work the sun was out and the smiles were returning to our town. Mike and dad were working on the engine, they were going to rebore it or something. It was all too technical for me. I rallied the troops and we all walked across the road for breakfast. Mason was sitting on dads knees and they were having a nice old chat about cars, mum came out to say her good mornings. I asked how May was and she said she was feeling fine. We ordered our rolls and settled in to listen to Mike's news. Nudge and Joel had called into the cottage last night, they gave him and his dad a list of things to look out for. I took it to look it over.

The wood heater was ticked, and the hot water service. I took the pen from March's top pocket and ticked six more items.

"You should get onto the solar panels Mike, the government pays for them now."

"I am applying today, what did you just tick off?"

"Kitchen, fridge, washer and dryer, a few other essentials, sorry no Mini." I laughed.

"What? you got all that stuff since yesterday?"

"Marketplace, March is now an expert on it. The kitchen is brand new, in fact he has a list of things the lady wants to sell. Taps bathroom cupboards baths things like that."

"I had better get onto Nudge. I have no idea what I need."

"That's what the list is for Mike," Dad said.

"Sorry dad, i'm in shock. A new kitchen?"

"Yes it's new and it comes with cook top, oven, and range hood, and the sink." March said.

"How much is that going to cost me."

"Nothing Mike, it's a school warming present."

"It's too much."

"It is a token sale, the owners just want it out of the house before it's demolished. It all cost about five trips to the supermarket."

"Mum will be so happy, she's never had a new kitchen. Awesome guys thank you."

"Our pleasure Mike, now what else is on that list Nicky?"

"Taps, vanity units and baths March." I grinned.

"We had better go and have a look then."

"Can I come with you?"

"Yes Mike, if you don't like what's on offer, then we don't buy it."

"This is amazing March, the list is getting shorter." He sat back and smiled.

"Dad was right, you are all the best bunch of guys."

"You better believe it Mike," Dad smiled.

I watched Rose walk up the street, she was taking her time because people were out and about today, and they all wanted to see little Tink.

When she finally made it she ordered coffee and a breakfast roll. Tink was eyed off.

"Is he awake?"

"Is the pope a Catholic?" Rose looked at me, so I pulled back the covers and was met with a big smile.

"Wrap the shawl around him Nicky,"

"I know that." I shot back.

He was so sweet, and even grunted when I gave him a gentle kiss.

"So Mike how is the school house coming along?"

"Good Aunty Rose. Nudge hasn't started yet, but I believe there are some men at the cottage working away."

"There is. I just walked by and there are guys everywhere."

"You won't have any worries renting it, someone will snap it up," I said.

"They already have."

"So soon, someone local?"

"Yes March, didn't you get the message?"

"What message?"

"She said she was going to message you, check your phone," He did just that and yes there was a message. He jumped up and ran into the cafe calling May's name.

"Who is it Rose?" I asked.

"Rachael she's moving back to town."

"Rachael?"

"March and May's friend, the one he gave money to. She was escaping her abusive marriage."

"Is Bobby coming back with her?" Mike asked.

"Yes. I believe he's an electrician or will be in a year."

"Do you know them Mike?" I asked. Silly question of course he did.

"I went to school with Bobby he's my age, the twins went to play school with

Stacey and Mitchell. I liked Bobby he was a bit of a loner at school."

"Probably because of his dreadful home life Mike," Rose said.

March and May arrived back and she did look a lot better. He sat with me and said.

"All my friends are coming back to town. Lenny's family and Rachael's. I told you this was the best town on earth Nicky." He smiled.

"It sure is March, now all we have to do is get rid of the moaners."

I looked sideways at May.

"Get stuffed Nicholas Stephenson."

"May, play nice, and Nicky stop it." Mike started laughing again. I think he is a very excited boy, and I need to find out more about this Bobby kid.

Not that I suspect Mike is gay, but his eyes did light up when Bobby's name was mentioned.

"She rang me and asked if I knew of any houses for rent, and for her old job back. I will lease her the cottage and ask Tom if he has any work."

"He should have plenty according to Faith," March said.

"I will do that later on. She's sold her house and will head here as soon as she can. Her job became redundant and her ex has remarried, so she thinks it's safe to return home. Bobby had landed an apprenticeship with a local electrician, and hopes Nudge will find him someone else to take him on."

"He's an electrician, he always was a smart one at school. A loner but smart." Mike said.

"Not the easy one?" March said as he started laughing.

"You crack me up sometimes boss, surly that hot house is warm enough by now." Mike is hilarious.

So March's friends are coming back into town, and he is right, this is the best town on earth.

News was trickling through the local page, and the word has got out that Mike needed help, and Rachael was coming back to town, it wasn't so much about Rachael but her kids.

We went with Ron and Barry to the kitchen house, and arrived back home with more than we expected. Mike's list was down to a few items now. He took an hour off to go and see the bank manager with his gran and a small loan was set up. When her home is sold she will pay that loan off and Mike can pay her back weekly or monthly. The title to the school came through and he got the green light to occupy it from the council. The government works fast here, when they want to.

We all pitched in and moved the family, some of us worked, some supervised, like my husband.

Dad had the heater installed that was his contribution and Nudge got the hot water done.

Mike was so grateful to everyone he didn't know what to do for them all. Lenny fixed that by throwing a barbecue and Ellen with the ladies made rolls and salads. At the end of the day Mike's family were all set, donated beds and linen were made up in the vast space and Ron set up a temporary kitchen. It will look so good when it's all finished, he even had plans to landscape the front to give it a real personality.

I helped Ellen, and Rose clean up the cottage so it would be ready for the next tenants. When all this was happening March bitterly complained that we never see each other much.

"It will be done soon March, hang in there," I said to him outside the cafe one day.

"I hope so it has been exhausting." I couldn't help but laugh.

That standing invitation to the farm was eventually taken up one fine Saturday. Mason was so excited to see his horses and Hank. He wanted to take 'sheep' there to see her family, but we distracted him and before he knew it he was singing along with the wiggles in the back of the truck.

Red and Rusty as usual were the first to greet us in the farmyard. Mase patted them both and Sunny barked, they started sniffing him and he settled down. Hank walked out of the barn looking like a wet dream and surprise Tom was behind him.

Tom picked Mason up but he wasn't having any of that, he wanted Hank.

"Did you get a call from Rose?" March asked him.

"Yes, she can do the town customers March, so she's home for the kids. Basically, Rose's old customers." Tom grinned.

"Thank you I was worried she may have to travel miles."

"No March I try and keep my ladies in their local areas."

Tom looked so good, he did look after himself and his smile didn't leave his face all day. The horses were ready and Mase went for a ride around the paddock while I went to cuddle my friend.

"It's been too long."

"Yes, but to be honest things have been busy in town."

"I know but I have missed this. Do some beans for me." She popped a bowl and a bag of beans in front of me and then she made us a coffee.

"The smell from her oven was making me hungry, and I noticed a stack of scones on the sink cooling.

"Has he got everything now?"

"Yes thanks to the town, his grans home is on the market, so she now can get a bungalow installed within the next few months."

"She's lonely Nicky, she was telling me when they left she was bored."

"What work does she do Faith, I have never asked."

"She's a cleaner and she works for Tom now. Has been all her life. But she will retire when the new home is set up."

"So how have you been keeping?"

"Well. The boys keep me busy and Tom is such a godsend. The girls have their own homes to clean now so he helps me. Ethan thinks the sun shines out of his butt."

"Does he?"

"Yes only because he doesn't charge us." She giggled.

"Sounds about right."

"And Jimmy, I have no idea what's going on there. I have a sneaky suspicion his young man has flown the coop."

"What makes you say that?"

"I used to talk to him when I ring, but the last three times he hasn't been there."

"Maybe he's busy with uni studies."

"I am praying that's all it is. Jimmy was so happy."

"Do you want me to make some inquiries?"

"If you would dear boy." She touched my hand.

I heard Mason's calls and it must be time to collect the eggs.

"There won't be many, they don't like to lay in the cold weather."

"We are lucky to get even one every few days."

"Well I put a couple in there earlier, so let's go and find them."

I followed her out the back and Mason was waiting, she grabbed her basket and his hand and Ethan opened the coop.

"There's a terrible smell around today mum. Hank go and take a shower, I told you we were having guests." He screamed at Hank.

"Sure you didn't forget to wipe your ass Ethan, it happens to old folk."

"Bloody useless farm hands think they know everything."

Ethan waited at the door until Faith and Mason had finished, I laughed along with Tom.

"It's not just for you and March Nicky, this goes on all day every day."

"They should start up a comedy act." He smiled.

Back inside Faith put Mason's egg on and made some soldiers. I had finished the beans and I put them on the burner.

"Now March and Nicky, is it okay if I add your place to Rachael's list. I think Rose is going to work for May soon, she's nearly ready to get back into it. Will there be a problem because I can change it?"

"Not at all Tom, she hasn't said anything but I know that was May's plan. Rachael is more than welcome to do our house." March said.

"As long as she doesn't go sniffing your underwear." That made everyone laugh.

Mase decided that he wanted to have a nap in front of the TV so Faith pushed a bean bag over. Tom was telling us he has planned a great trip but he was only halfway through it. Hank kept rolling his eyes.

"You are going to love it over there Hank, hey Tom why don't you add Japan to your list I believe it's very beautiful," Ethan said.

"Stop trying to add stuff Ethan, we are already visiting five different countries."

"Just trying to help son."

"Good idea Ethan, Japan is on the list." Tom winked at me.

"Where are you truthfully going Tom?" I asked him as we sat outside rubbing our full tummies.

"Two weeks in Bali Nicky, I will book it soon, we have got to get out of this cold."

He chuckled.

"That's better he will look good in his speedos on Kuta beach."

"But I will look better." He winked.

"I wish we could come but March is adamant he's not leaving town."

"Does he think it might fall apart without him being here?"

"Yes." I smiled.

"Is everything all right with you Tom?"

"You know it is, hey what's up with Faith she's been a little distracted lately."

"She thinks Jimmy and his man have broken up."

"Why doesn't she ask me, I talk to Jimmy once a week?"

"You do?"

"Yes, he rings Hank and I say a few words. I don't mind, I know Hank loves me I don't see Jim as a threat, and to be honest I have to like him because of Faith and Ethan."

"So have they broken up?"

"No, they are busy with exams and his man is spending a lot of time in the library. Jimmy has to go there and haul him out sometimes. They are strong and that's another reason I never worry."

"I will pass that on to Faith then."

"She should ask me."

"She likes asking me, she thinks that I know everything."

"That road outside the veggie barn needs resurfacing Nick."

"Fuck off and tell Ethan to do it himself."

I spoke to Faith before we headed home with our bag of leftovers and scones, she was happy I could get that information so quickly. I didn't have the heart to tell her to ask Tom in future. I liked our little game.

Back at home, March had to have a small nap, and I watched TV with Mason. He wouldn't shut up, he had to explain every character in the cartoons, he eventually exhausted me so I dropped off.

I have no idea how the status quo will go when Rachael and her kids return to town. I hope March doesn't spend every waking hour around at her place.

I get it, I truly do. But he has his own family now. Yes, I am starting to overthink things a typical Nicky thing to do, nothing's going to change and I knew that deep down.

He came out and started looking in the fridge.

"You can't be serious March, you only ate three hours ago."

"I was only looking for a scone Nicky, have we got any gravy?"

"I'll get it, just sit down and it won't be long. Do you want a full one or half of one?"

"Full one of course, can I have some potatoes and a little meat?"

"Full roast coming up, and one scone." I chuckled, he will never change and Faith's roasts are the best, but don't tell mum.

The knock on the door interrupted his meal, I answered it and Mr and Mrs Nudge were standing there.

"Is March home Nicky?"

"Come in he's still eating his lunch."

"Lunch?" Jan said as she looked at her watch.

"We went to the farm for lunch today, came home and he had a nap, then he wanted some of the takeaway Faith gave us. So yes he's still eating lunch." She laughed.

Nudge sat next to March. Jan picked Mason up and sat opposite.

"Looks nice March." he nudged him, March moved.

"You're not getting any."

"Typical Stephenson, they never liked sharing their food."

"What's up?"

"I wanted to run something by you, do you think the school could do with a paint?"

"When the alterations are finished yes I do. Talk to Barry."

"Good, because I have tripped over some large cans of paint I just need some volunteers." He smiled at March.

"Ask Nicky, he's a good painter."

"I'm asking you."

"If you need me, and if I have to." March groaned.

"Good, Jan?" He looked at his wife.

"That's not why we are here Nicky. I want to talk to you about the gay section at the museum. Do we really need a separate section?"

"I thought it would be nice, like if there's any gay teens in town it would encourage them to feel safe here."

"Please don't see this badly, but I don't think that's a good idea. I have decided not to go ahead with it. Tinker's things will be displayed and visitors can decide for themselves."

"And your reasoning is?" I looked at her.

"If there are any teens or kids here, which there should be. They won't come to the museum. They might, but they will be pretending to be looking at other things. They will be embarrassed to look at your history and Jimmys, Toms, and Hanks. So I don't think it's a good idea to separate that part from the town's history."

"I agree." I heard March relax I knew he was worried our wedding certificate would be on show.

"The best, and I mean the best way of showing the kids they can be who they are around here, is you and March. Keep doing what you're doing. Being open and honest about your sexuality, they will get the idea soon enough and maybe approach you for advice. It all sounds a bit dirty if a kid comes into the museum and tries to look at things like that." She smiled.

"What's next, a one legged man display, a down syndrome display, a crosseyed person's corner. I think you should leave it. Jan's right if the kids have questions, the gays in town should be open and show them it's okay to be gay in public. Tinker spent his whole life hiding, we don't want that for our kids." My husband said.

March had finished, so he shoved his plate over to Nudge.

"Want the last potato?" Nudge was onto it quick fast.

"Okay we do it that way Jan, it was just a thought anyway."

"Thank you, but you do see my point?"

"Yes I certainly do, the sign will go up tomorrow. I will get Barry onto it."

"What sign would that be Nicky?" He leered at me, he knows me so well.

"The one that says. Gay counselling within. Ask for March Stephenson." I started laughing at his face.

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

"This is what I mean, showing is the best learning tool. Keep it up boys," Jan smiled again.

I went to get them a scone each and another coffee, made up some gravy and you would think they hadn't eaten today they disappeared so quickly.

March moaned when they left, I knew he had eaten far too much. I suggested he take Mason for a short walk around the backyard, but he turned the spa on instead.

The next morning there was no Mike, and March opened the workshop. He got a message from him saying he will be another half hour. As per usual we went across the road to get some breakfast, I talked to mum she said that dad was at the hardware shop and would be here shortly.

"Don't worry Nicky, his passion is cars, he's spending time at the shop because Mark is teaching him the new computer system."

"Good, and how is Mark and Dianne?"

"Things are heating up there, she's had a sleepover I believe. She was seen leaving his place in the wee hours."

"Good to hear, do you want a hand with that?"

"Yes thank you son, take these out to March and dad now he's arrived." I grabbed the rolls and walked out the front, dad had arrived and he and March were laughing.

"What's up?"

"Dianne and Mark, they are pretending nothing is happening," Dad said.

"They have had a sleepover I believe."

"Yes the whole town knows, look at the local page." I did just that and yes, someone had spotted Dianne leaving Mark's place in the early hours. There's only one person that is up in the wee hours and that would be Rose. The poster was anonymous. I had a laugh and went to hand out the rolls but they were gone, at least they left me one.

"Where's Mike?"

"He and Lenny are finishing the opening from the kitchen to the school room. They have opened it all up."

"Good to hear March, Lennys a good man really, his dad was the prick," Dad said.

"You knew him?"

'"Yes son, he was around when I lived here. Us guys avoided him like the plague."

"I think Len got the message loud and clear," March said.

"He knows what he did was wrong, and he's now making some plans to build a home of his own."

"Is he, that would be awesome dad?" March answered.

"Don't ride his ass March, let him do this in his own time. Gives him something to moan about."

"We will, when is your next council meeting Nicky?"

"Next week March, why?"

"That old water tower needs to be converted into a home. I don't think a play park will survive out there."

"We can't give that to him, and he won't take it."

"Just a thought Nicky." He touched his finger to my temple.

"Oh you want me to come up with the details, why didn't you say so?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." He started on his second roll as Mason rode 'hank' up and down the street, screaming.

"Faster."

What a great idea, that tower and surrounding land was dirt cheap, and it's not that far out of town. The road into it has been done and it has been hooked up to the towns water and power. I picked my phone up and looked at water towers again. It will cost a bomb to place that big room on top.

I heard dad chuckling.

"What's up?"

"March, he's so subtle."

Mike turned up and apologised, he started telling us about the demolished wall and was wrapped his dad had made him do that, his mum was so excited she could now watch the kids from just about every corner.

I got up to get him his rolls and I heard.

"Get me one Nicky. I'm still hungry." I shook my head and imagined March being as big as Mike, but I kinda went off that image.

"Cut one in half mum."

"Dieting?"

"It starts now. We can share it." I grinned.

They went off to work and we walked Mason on up to his play school.

Louise said she sees nothing but smiling kids when shes at the new school.

"It's warm, and no draughty corners. The kids are loving having their big brothers and sisters nearby."

"That's good to hear, they will have much more fun up at the high school."

"They are. Now I have got to tell you that we are closing next week, just for the five days. I have to go there to sort out some books and paperwork."

"Okay, we will cope," March said. Louise and I both rolled our eyes.

On the way home we decided to call into the Hardware shop, and it was busy.

"They are not here to buy Nicky, they want to know if that post was true," Debbie said.

"And was it?" I asked.

"Of course it was, but it's none of their business."

"I agree, and I am also very happy for you both."

"He does it for me, if this one doesn't work out then I'm done."

"Don't give up Debs, I'm sure he only has eyes for you."

"He hasn't said anything yet."

"Maybe he might be okay now you have had a sleepover, he's being cautious, his ex did a real good job on him."

"Maybe you are right, I will cut him some slack and go with the flow." She smiled. We looked through the old school house and March went through the specials table, he found a few things including a sander.

"I will get this for you Nicky, just in case you need another one."

"Not in my lifetime baby, put it back.'

"But I wanted these things too."

"Put it all back, come on the shed has to be warm enough by now."

I guess that was said a little too loud, because shoppers were laughing.

I bowed once more and said.

"My next performance will be at the same time tomorrow. Thank you ladies and gentlemen and thank you Mark for letting Debs have a sleepover last night."

"Nicky!" Debs shouted.

"Well now Rose can't out you both online."

"Get out," Mark said.

"Not nice Mark, I'm gonna tell daddy on you," I yelled, then headed for the doorway before he threw something at me.

"That was an awful thing to do."

"Just helping out Debs, now it's in the public domain they won't have to sneak around in the middle of the night."

"Point taken."

The shed within the shed was nice and cosy, he had turned the temperature down and now it was just right.

Mike was working under a car again and dad was sitting in the office. I guess he's having a rest, March used to do that when dad started.

"Have you seen May today?"

"No Nicky, maybe I should ring her."

"Maybe she's at the other shop." He rang May and I looked at the local page.

Yes my plan worked, Rose was fuming because I had outed her.

"When I get my hands on you toe rag. I am going to rip you another asshole."

Brenda was onto it, and deleted the post.

'Please note bad language will not be tolerated on this forum'

Rose made another comment, it was as bad as the first.

'Please note Rose Davis's account has been suspended for a week, any more of your bad language will get you blocked for life.'

I had better ring Brenda, I don't want to be the cause of Rose being deleted forever.

"All in fun Nicky, there's no way I would ban her."

"Good, when will she be back?"

"I'll give her a few days to cool down." She laughed.

I believe it escalated from there. Brenda's next call was from Rose.

We walked across the street for lunch, I ordered March and I roast chicken today, he told me May was at the other shop, and they were busy.

"Any updates on when Bobby is coming back to town?" Mike asked March.

"In a couple of weeks, I believe the house is ready."

"Good, because I can get him to do some work for me."

"He's not fully legal yet Mike," Dad said.

"Neither is the work I want him to do." He winked.

"What have you got in mind Mike?"

"Can't say but I will say gran and the kids will be happy."

"Don't do anything illegal Mike, electricity is a killer," March said.

He laughed and said.

"Sucked in, no I want power points placed on the outside of the school, six will do the job."

"What for?" I asked.

"Christmas lights, the kids will love them, and gran absolutely adores them."

"I have some extras if you want them."

"And I will take them March, thank you."

That frees up some more space in the garage, he does overdo his shopping sprees.

The gym is getting busy again, sure there are some cold days but mainly they are sunny. Julie was in with her daughter, she's getting big. She and Mason played with Sunny in the playpen until their eyes got heavy then I opened my laptop and looked around again at water tower conversions. Maybe Lenny won't like living out of town and I suddenly had a thought. What the hell is Mike going to do with all that space when they leave?

I had better think long and hard about this one.

A van turned up and some students got out. They were going to look at the dig and I was told they were new students and the professor was showing them the ropes. There was also a tourist bus full of Japanese holidaymakers, cameras were hung around their necks as they walked off to look at it too.

Things are coming back to life in my town.

May was back by afternoon tea time, she had been busy and little Rosie has finally mastered her crawling technique. She giggled as she tried to chase Mason but he was too quick for her, maybe Rose will buy her a hobby horse of her very own.

Jason sat with us and he was texting someone, then it all happened at once. A woman pulled up in a people mover, two kids got out and one very handsome young man. My eyes were drawn to him because he was well-built and extremely dreamy.

"Uncle March, Aunty May we are here." The kids sang out. May and March walked over and hugged them then the woman who I presumed was Rachael.

I was introduced to her and the three kids Bobby, Brianna, and Shaun. That kid is gorgeous he's certainly going into this year's calendar. Mum was introduced and then she went to make coffee. Mike was all eyes, he couldn't stop looking at Bobby, but it was like they didn't know each other.

He was shy, like March, but I couldn't help but notice he was also looking a little distressed. Rachael was telling March and May that the house money had come through and she decided to leave town early.

"It's so good to see you Rachael, the kids are amazing they have grown so much."

"They are my life March, they make me so proud every day." She then kissed his cheek, that should have been my first wake-up call.

"Lillies!" Bree screamed, and then she ran up the street.

"Breezie!" I heard Lily shout. They hugged and kissed as Rose walked up the street. pushing her pram.

"They went to play school together," May said in my ear.

"Looks like they are old kindred spirits."

"Inseparable buddies Nicky."

They sat at the next table and talked their heads off.

"Rachael, it's so good to see you. The kids have grown, and you toe rag. I will get to you later." She pointed to me.

"Why me, you started it?" She sat down and Rachael was onto Tink within seconds.

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