March Stephenson

Chapter 88

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

It was a lovely day and I guess we will have to change our alert system to amber. I pray that we don't have any bushfires this year. The five vintage cars arrived and March talked to the owner. Dad took a couple around the block and Mike got to drive one. I liked these sports cars but their suspension was a bit rough, but March was being careful as he took me out the road. We parked at the old water tower, and got out.

"Are you thinking about buying it?"

"No Nicky, it becomes our problem then."

"I have investigated every avenue, and I still come back to the same decision."

"And what would that be?"

"We took it over because it is an historical landmark. I know that only tourists will come out here so there's no need for flying foxes or picnic tables. It's disappointing because I wanted it to be a good investment for the town, like to make money."

"How about you go with the first idea, leave it in the historical society's hands. Fill it up with some old farm or rail items and tour brochures. It's a beautiful old building but selling it off isn't the answer."

"I have come to realise that, I have met my Waterloo March. I was so sure we could turn it into a money spinner."

"You can't win them all Nicky."

"What about a village, ironmongers, pottery, kilns, weaving?"

"Won't work baby, the busses will only come here once a week."

I had investigated every avenue with this one. I think maybe we should go ahead with buying a train and carriage, mainly to preserve them and to give the tower a personality.

"A camping ground Nicky. Put in portable toilets with showers, a few power poles, and open it up to the grey nomads. A ten dollar a night donation, plenty of rubbish bins, maybe even half-priced counter meals at the hotel and the boy's restaurant."

I looked at him and slumped, all I had to do was ask March Stephenson, what a brilliant idea.

"What took you so long?"

"I was thinking about it Nicky, it all takes time."

The council can take care of the cleaning and the upkeep and the Historical society can still add the tower to its local sites.

"No open fires Nicky, that will have to be policed."

"I hear you March, there's a site on facebook that has recommendations for cheap camping places, we will save a bundle on advertising."

"Okay afternoon tea time Nicky, are we done here?"

"Come inside I want to see if there's been any nasties setting up house in it."

"I have a nasty for you."

"I thought you might."

When we got back Faith was there sitting with Rose and Tink. I hugged her, complimented her on her dress then sat to eat my cake.

"So Rose as I was saying, anytime you want I can look after him. I still pick the kids up after school so he will be dropped off around three each day."

"Thank you, I think I will take you up on that offer Ellen is much too busy with her extra family and she wants to start decorating the kid's rooms. Nicky will take him for a couple of days and the rest I can do."

"Make up a roster Rose," I said.

"I will." She sat back and smiled.

"No jokes either, it has to be genuine." I smiled back at her.

Her phone heralded a message and she laughed.

"Lily's on her way Nicky, she heard there were some Elf cars in town."

"Is it okay to take her March?" I asked.

"Of course it is."

It happened a half hour later six kids turned up with Lily, and naturally Rose needed March to take her for a tour. Faith had left to go pick up her grandkids so she missed out.

Ellen arrived and she sat with me and Mike to wait for the rides to finish.

It was six times around the block because Lily had to do them all, after all, she was the reason the others even got a ride.

Mark had come looking for her and my feet were getting cold, so its time to go home. Mason had fallen asleep on my lap so it was dad and Mike's job to do the tours.

"We won't start on them until tomorrow Nicky, they only need a good service, there's no hurry."

"Good, I want to get home and investigate this camping ground idea of yours."

"It was well researched Mr Stephenson."

"I believe you March, I just want to catch up."

"Good, I like it when you keep up with me." He smiled.

"Mike go home, dad, I'll help you close up."

"And I will get the family, 'hank' Sunny with me."

At home, the first thing I did was open the laptop while March took Mase for his tour. I found many sites where grey nomads recommend camping spots all over Australia. I looked at a lot of them and my notes were filling the page. We need the council's approval and we also need to clear the area of any dangerous tree limbs, maybe a small play park and a covered barbeque for the campers without a kitchen.

Backpackers are big users but they usually want it all for free. I read a few comments about them being a pest sometimes, but not always.

I made up a shopping list and the approximate costings, the tower has to be secured and locked up. I don't want any kids falling off it or playing inside of it.

The tour busses can still come by and it will be opened for them.

"When are we going to eat Nicky?" I looked at the clock I had been at it for two hours.

"Sorry March, in a minute, is spaghetti okay?"

"I'll cut up an onion."

"Thank you and some garlic."

"Coming up."

"You may as well boil a pot of water for the spaghetti while you're at it."

In no time March was cooking away in the kitchen, it doesn't take long to cook pasta sauce. I finished my list and closed up the laptop just as March was rinsing the pasta.

"I will help you now."

"It's all done, and ready."

"Did you grate some cheese?"

"Yes Nicky."

"Then let's eat."

Mason loves spaghetti, I wrapped a towel around his neck and made him sit at the table. I didn't want it all over the sofa. He hummed along with his meal and March dumped half the cheese on his.

"This is good Nicky."

"Thank you March." I smiled.

"We can have this again."

"Yes we can, or we can take one of mum's frozen ones out of the freezer."

"Nicky?"

"But fresh is best March, keep up."

"Did you get all the information you wanted?"

"Yes, I will pitch it at the next meeting, don't worry you will get all the credit."

"Don't drag me into it Nicky, it was just a suggestion, you are putting it together."

"Well I think it's great, the money will help with the cleaning and the tower will be secure from vandalism. I also think we should limit it to the self-contained campers. That way it stops people staying weeks at a time and they take their rubbish with them."

"Sounds good to me. You will have to do a rules list."

"I have copies of some camps that are well run and popular."

I cleaned up Mason's chair and the table, he moaned when I did his face and hands but the TV did win in the end.

"When do you change the fire danger signs?"

"Soon Nicky, let's hope we don't have a repeat of last summer."

"I hope not."

He put another log on the fire and turned the fan up a little, there was still a chill in the air.

The sun was shining in the morning, I had to close the blinds but March opened them again and stood taking in all its warmth. I noticed when I went to check Mason he had done a wee again. Sometimes March amazes me with his parenting skills this is a milestone.

The local page was buzzing this morning, something was up.

"It's the sunshine, it brings everyone out Nicky,"

"Could be right, there's no dramas just good vibe posts."

"I see theres a nice caravan for sale three towns over."

"Forget it," I replied.

"Why not?"

I looked at him and thought maybe Mason would like camping.

"I will think about it."

"It will be fun."

"March you have trouble leaving this town to work on the farms, let alone travel through the states. I know what you are thinking, you will set it up at the Tower and leave it there for weekends. It won't go too far from home. But we have to discourage that sort of thing, people are always looking for cheap accommodation."

"Just a thought Nicky, no need to be so analytic." Sometimes he knows big words.

"Just saying March, it wouldn't be taken further than the Tower."

"Point taken."

"Any minis?"

"Not yet Nicky."

Breakfast was over, and we all dressed for our day. March put his phone away and I collected my paperwork and I will do some more investigating while my men and ladies pump away on the machines.

Mike and dad were there and March put his now ripped and worn overalls on. It only took him eight months to return to that sexy mechanic I fell in love with.

Mike was telling us that Lenny and Ellen had a mediation meeting today, they have to agree with Rachael on a convenient time for her to meet with the younger ones. She has no interest in seeing Bobby again.

"So she is seeking visitation rights?"

"Yes the judge has left that up to mum and dad to decide, but if she goes too far they can stop the meeting."

"What times have they decided?"

"Every second weekend, which is generous I think."

"And the kids?"

"They want to see her, she's their mum. they also like living with mum and dad. I overheard them talking. Shaun said to Bree at least they get fed where they are."

"It's a mess. I would be more worried she would try to kidnap them." I said.

"That's what the mediation is about, mum and dad want to mend a few fences with her, make her more inclusive in the kid's upbringing. There's still a real possibility she will turn her life around then go for full custody."

"God I hope not," March said.

"When it all settles down she may see the error of her ways but I doubt it."

"What were her parents like March?"

"The same. Bullies with big mouths they are long gone from the district. I think she gets her crazy beliefs from them."

"They wouldn't have survived this town now."

"They were never inclusive or involved with local events."

"A campground dad," I wanted to change everyone's moods.

"What's that supposed to mean son?"

"The water tower, we turn it into a camping ground."

"No open fires Nicky that has to be stressed." March sat up.

"For sure there will be signs all over the place."

"Good, and you can get the council to make a fire break, place that on your list."

"Good idea son, it's a perfect camping area out there." Dad finally said.

"March's idea." I pointed at him.

"Nicky."

"Sorry March's suggestion, my idea." I looked at Mike, he was still deep in thought.

"Mike what do you think?"

"Uh? It will be okay mum and dad know what their doing." He didn't move on with us.

"Right, we had better get on with those cars they aren't going to service themselves."

"March I have taken a booking from the Reynolds farm for Thursday. Tractor, harvester and a farm ride-on that needs looking at."

"Good, I will take Mike."

"I don't know much about farm equipment." Mike finally joined in.

"Easy Mike. You can watch me depending on what the problem is we may have to order parts, but Mrs Reynolds makes a fine morning tea." He smiled.

"Count me in boss."

"Bring us a scone."

"They are not as good as Faith's Nicky."

"I will have one just the same." I grinned.

They went to work, then I sat in the gym toying with the laptop. I printed off some pages then I copied them for the other councillors to read.

After I did that I looked at a lot of campsites again and got a good feel of their setups.

Having done all that I put a load of washing on then cleaned up the change rooms. Mason was napping for a bit so I went into the workshop. I was bored in winter, now I'm bored again in spring. March was showing Mike something and dad was on the phone chasing up some parts.

"It looks like Nicky is bored March," Mike said.

March looked at me and then he had an idea.

"We will be back in fifteen minutes Mike." I could hear him laughing as March took me into the shed.

Lunchtime saw Brenda arrive, she wanted to know what was going on with Mike's family.

He told her and she said she had run into one of the social services ladies, they were using the small conference room.

"Who is there Brenda?" March asked.

"Lenny Ellen two children's services ladies and the clerk of courts, oh, and Rachael and some guy."

"I guess they will get it sorted. The guy must be her current boyfriend."

I said.

"I feel sorry for all concerned. Now what have you got for me?"

"Who?"

"You Nicky, what are you working on?"

"Nothing gets past you, but you will have to wait for the next meeting, you know I like the shock factor." I laughed. She snapped her fingers and I passed her the paperwork. Mum bought out her coffee and cake and sat to have hers with us.

"Umm, you have been busy."

"Not really, it's the research that takes time."

"And you think this is a good idea?"

"March thinks so." I knew I had her when I mentioned his name.

"Then I do too, you have done it again councillor."

"I will hand them out before the meeting so the others can write down their suggestions."

"If it's not about building, cars, cafes, kids or painting. There won't be any." She smiled.

"Then why are they on the council?"

"Keep your enemies close Nicky." She sipped her coffee.

"They don't have that much clout around here."

"But they could."

I looked at March and he smiled, he knew that was what Brenda was up to.

"Only joking Nicky, they do come up with some good ideas sometimes. Just last week Joel rang with a suggestion for the Tower.'

"And what was his suggestion?"

"We put in a race track." She almost howled with laughter.

"And let me guess Nudges was a retirement village."

"Almost, a block of flats."

"What do you honestly think about mine, because I don't want you laughing behind my back?"

"I love it, it brings money into the town. March I want a full fire report from the station within a week. Your men can do a burn-off on the undergrowth and place signs all over. Then get a fire break done."

"What?"

"Safety first Chief Stephenson."

"Nicky you just gave me more work, I am busy now." He stared at me.

"Thank God we used the shed this morning."

He grumbled a lot and when his lunch arrived he groaned even more.

"March I have a list for you."

"You what?"

"I have done a list for you, it's not big. The council can help, and it gives the guys something to do. Try delegating the jobs."

"I bloody well intend to, do we even have any spare signs?"

"Check your storage room at the fire station if not, order some more."

"We will need a digger."

"I can see one up at the roundabout March. Maybe the guys will let you borrow it. March I don't know why you are carrying on, it was your idea."

"But there's so much work to do."

"You should have researched it before you suggested it then."

"But Nicky....."

I hit the table with my hand.

"Enough of the whining March Stephenson. It's your job as fire chief to get these safety issues done." At least Mike, dad and Brenda were entertained.

"Can I have another pie?"

"Of course you can, you will need your strength." I pissed myself laughing at his face, sometimes I just want to eat him all up with a dollop of cream.

"You scare me sometimes Nicky." He said later on.

"Well don't be, the jobs for the fire station are pretty normal, you will have to do a backburn at some stage. All you have to do is take your offsider out there and make a plan."

"Can't you do that?"

"No." I stared at him.

"Alright, but the cars won't be done."

"Like you are going to do them all on your own."

"I need to be there."

"What would you like for dinner?" He has exhausted every angle and he knows he has to do it, it's his other job.

"Bobby rang him to update him on the mediation, it all went well and she agreed to their terms. She gets the kids for a weekend every fortnight. She picks them up and drops them off. He said the kids won't like it there, it's a small unit where she's living. He also told March that Mike's grans unit has been finally delivered and she will be moving into it this weekend.

March smiled to himself when he hung up, he will never be left out of Bobbie's life.

Rose told me she was busy at night sewing curtains for the school house and gran was making her own for her little home. She had bought the two-bedroom one because she fully expects the kids to want sleepovers. Nudge also told me he has another estate to work on so his guys will start clearing the land when summer is here. I did think about grans property but she reassured me the new owners are keeping it mostly forest. So it won't have two hundred homes built on it.

In the next few weeks, I investigated the campgrounds some more, March grumbled at the amount of work he was doing.

The schoolhouse was finished in record time and we helped Mike and Lenny plant a welcoming garden, then Barry, with some volunteers painted the entire building making it look fabulous. Their loft space was perfect for them and a suspicious-looking big TV had appeared as a housewarming present. Mike and Bobby were on top of the world, he was still talking to Jason and they had started meditating, once or twice Mike joined them out the back of the garage.

"I can't do it properly, Bobby distracts me," Mike confessed.

"Nicky does that to me all the time." March puffed up.

"I only go for the show." Mike laughed.

"Well enjoy it, but if it's doing Bobby good maybe you should wait until you get home." I winked.

Mike was working on Mark's old car in his spare time, it's for his dad to drive so it has to be roadworthy. March said he's doing a great job of it and he's not charging for parts. 'Sheep' is growing bigger every day and he and his mum enjoy laying in the sun although March said she will have to lose her winter coat soon.

"We could make a rug out of her old one." He laughed his head off.

"What's so funny?"

"We aren't going to skin her just shave her wool off."

"Maybe we won't then."

"Ethan will sell the wool for us, Mason can have the money. But I warn you the shearers get more per sheep than he would get for the wool per kilo."

"In other words, pennies."

"Yes Nicky." So I won't be going into the wool business.

Bobby met Mike and us for lunch everyday, he was only working on the roundabout now. He will get more work when Nudge's job starts in a month or so. Our clearing was beautiful. The trees were still blackened but new growth was sprouting everywhere and the wild flowers had bloomed at long last. The water was still cold so we didn't dip our toes in it we just made love, and it welcomed us back with open arms.

It didn't take Rachael long to stuff up any visitation rights. The first time the kids went there her boyfriend dumped the little ones back at Mikes four hours later. The story went that he was fine with having them there but had enough after a few hours. Ellen rang Rachael and she said they were playing up, the kids said he was just in an angry mood and started picking on them.

No one will be picking them up for the second scheduled weekend and Rachael said she will take them out for lunch, which never happened.

When they finally caught up Rachael said she couldn't have the kids there, and was looking for a place of her own. No one bought that story so Lenny and Bobby reported it and nothing has been said since. Bobby said the kids told him it was awful the unit was filthy, and it was like living interstate again. Gran distracted them by having sleepovers now and then, which they loved. Of course, Mike's brother and sister would stay with them. Bob was furious, after all that hard work they had done to get her to do this she dumped them again.

Sunny days are ahead and March is getting busier, cars were coming and going all the time, and Mike's calendar is filling up. He was ticking off the days when he would become a full mechanic, Bobby will finish his apprenticeship a month later. He has a plan when that happens, his parents will have a barbeque for him and he will take Bobby into the city for a dirty weekend, and yes they will use our hotel. Mason after six weeks was starting to use his potty more and more. Mum was surprised because it usually takes six months or more. He had more misses than hits but he's getting the idea. One fine morning we were sitting outside the cafe and Bobby arrived for breakfast, he told us he had just got off the phone with child services and they had cancelled her visitation rights. She would have to go back to court to have them reinstated. He was relieved but said if she wanted to take them out for lunch or to the park he would let her, but she never got back to them. I think Mike's schoolhouse will be a happy home tonight.

My council meeting was a non-event, everyone knew why we were there and they all agreed with my plan. Barry has finished the painting and he went with my forest idea, it was a beautiful painting and we voted to have two hundred printed off. The original will be hung in the council chambers. Maybe one day it will be worth a fortune, but in my eyes, if it saves one teen then it's worth its weight in gold.

"Once you mentioned it I couldn't do anything else but think of a forest scene Nicky. So thank you."

"All my pleasure Barry, you did very well."

Brenda sent my photo off to the printers and the names of local volunteers were added to the website along with the photo.

Jason was very happy, he started meeting us and May for lunch and it was good to have the whole family there all at once.

"It looks good Nicky, I love those flowers."

"Wild orchids March, they are rare around here."

"Is that what they are, they are so pretty."

"They are, when do you think we can start swimming again?"

"When the temperature rises Nicky, a month or so."

"I can't wait, Mason is going to love it."

"Make sure you remind Mike not to come here."

"I will steer him towards the bridge and the willow trees."

We had just made love in our favourite clearing and it was time to go. I pulled my jeans up and collected our coffee cups and picnic containers.

"There's still plenty left Nicky."

"Dinner March, saves cooking."

"Okay."

He drove us back to work and dad was bending over an engine at the gas pump. The car had just made it.

"Try the spark plugs dad," March sang out as he walked by.

I helped Mike and dad push it into the workshop, these old cars are so heavy. The owner took the lend car for a few days which is good but not for Mike, his dad's car is nearly finished and Bobby can drop him off and we can drive him home. The old Morris has seen better days and parts are hard to find, but it was a cute car. Dad and Mike worked on it but it still wouldn't start.

"Did you check it had gas in it?"

"Of course we did." Dad snapped at him.

"Just saying, that's the first thing I would have checked."

Mike laughed and then went around to the driver's side to check.

His face said it all but he tried to hide it.

"All good here."

"Well keep going down the checklist boys, there has to be something you missed." March chuckled.

"Come on Nicky lunch time."

We walked across the road, and after I sat I watched Mike come out of the workshop with a petrol can in hand. He filled it up and went back inside.

Two minutes later the car came to life, I couldn't stop laughing.

"What's up Nicky?"

"Just something that tickled my funny bone March."

"What am I having for lunch?"

"A pie today, do you want one or two?"

"Two of course."

Dad and Mike came across and when Mike sat down March asked him what was the problem.

"Loose wire boss, all good now." He slightly looked at a red-faced dad.

"Tools, there was no petrol in it," March said.

"How do you know that?"

"Mike can't lie for shit." I burst out laughing again.

"I thought I had filled it up at the bowser March."

"Check check and triple check dad, basic rules."

March placed his arms behind his head and leaned back. He has no idea what that does to me, or does he?

One week to go and I will be a fully licenced mechanic." Mike smiled.

"Good, and well done your figures are great Mike."

"Then I can concentrate on Bobby's certificate. Don't forget the barbeque next Sunday."

"We won't Mike. We are all looking forward to it."

"Well mum is going to a lot of trouble, I have no idea how many people she has invited."

"Probably half the town Mike." He groaned then went to get his lunch. He had a roast beef roll with gravy. March was having second thoughts about his pies.

"Nicky."

"Yes two roast beef rolls coming up." I smiled. Dad followed me in and I talked to mum while she made them up.

"He's a good kid Nicky, what have you bought him?"

"Money mum, we are giving him money although there's a big TV missing from our garage that suspiciously looks like Mike and Bobby's in the loft." I grinned.

"It's a wonder Lenny allowed it."

"He's mellowing mum, and probably didn't question its appearance."

"I think your father and I will do the same, give him money."

"Yes, he's got a list Mary," Dad chuckled.

"Do you know how much March is handing over?"

"No we haven't discussed it dad, I will let you know but beware it won't be small."

"That's okay Mike's worth it."

I took our rolls and went back outside. Jason was there and May had turned up.

"How is Rose May?"

"She's excellent behind the counter Nicky, I feel second-rate when she's there."

"It's her sense of humour May, you should get one," March said.

"Nicky!" Jason cracked up and couldn't stop laughing.

I filled my mouth with roll and gravy, there's no way I am getting into this one.

A car pulled up for gas and Mike was on his feet and running across the road before dad could put his roll down.

"March how much are we giving Mike for a housewarming slash end of his apprenticeship party?"

"I haven't figured it out yet Nicky, maybe two grand."

"Good I will match it." Dad said. We all looked at May she said nothing.

"We will match that also Nicky." Jason said.

"Great thank you all I will pass the word around then." I looked at a silent May and smiled, yes she is in agreement but didn't want to commit so she let Jason do it.

"It will be the same for Bobby when he graduates," March said.

"That will be the cream on top, they will have a great nest egg to put aside."

I was happy it wasn't a huge amount, if we keep it small then the others will follow suit.

"Rose is donating all the window coverings." May eventually said.

"Good for her," I said.

"Do we have to take anything?"

"I don't think so. I had better ring Ellen and at least offer."

"The foods taken care of." Again May commented.

"So it's ladies bring a plate?"

"No Nicky, I did a deal with the butcher and he's providing meat, Faith, mum, Rose, and myself are doing salads."

"That's my sister always working in the background." March sat up and grabbed his second roll.

I know she's not mean she just doesn't like to advertise it.

Mike ran back and started on his second roll, he was so happy.

Mum came out and sat with us, she had been listening to our conversation.

"Nicky it's all taken care of, most of the ladies will bring a plate anyway and Ellen has made a list." She looked at Mike.

"Does everyone know about my list mum Wilson?"

"No baby, only the people that love you."

"That would be the whole town," May said.

"About time you found it May," March said.

"Found what?"

"Your sense of humour."

"March, stop it!" I yelled.

"Sorry Nicky sorry May."

"That's better."

"Now the Morris is okay now?"

"Yes March I will ring Bert he can pick it up anytime."

"And your dad's car Mike?"

"Just go to wash it."

"Fill it up Mike, on the house."

"Okay, but no more." Poor Mike, he doesn't know my March.

"Nicky, I was only joking." He said when we went to pick Mason up.

"She knows that March, it sounds like she's put in a lot more than we have, I think she's paid for all the meat."

"She's a good lady that sister of mine."

"She is March, now is that two thousand each or together?"

"I think just together Nicky. I don't want to overwhelm Lenny or Mike."

"His dad's car?"

"Free, Mike's been working on it, so he's used his own time. The parts were minimal and I can afford a tank of gas."

"Okay so long as we are on the same page then."

Mason was more than ready to leave play school, by the looks of him he's had enough. I saw Louise wink and then he started complaining to March.

"He was being naughty so I pulled him up."

"I see, that's unusual."

"Not so much here Nicky, today the argument was over that front-end loader."

"Did you put it up there?" I looked on top of the bookcase and there it was a big plastic yellow truck.

"Yes I will take it down when everyone leaves, and by tomorrow it will all be forgotten."

"Thank you." I hugged her and then we left.

"But daddy it's mine."

"No, it's for everyone."

"But I play with it the most."

"You have to share, did you forget that?"

"No daddy. I just wanted to play with it on my owns."

"Come on, let's get you back to work I have some jobs for you."

"What jobs daddy?"

"Spark plugs today, a hard job."

He didn't last more than ten minutes, he was fast asleep in March's old truck when I went to check on him.

Donations are always gratefully accepted at Nifty.