March Stephenson

Chapter 66

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

When March came out, I had a good talk with him about the park. I could see his face relax.

"My stuff up."

"No, you did good March, but I have an idea." He sat back.

"We demolish what's there, get the council to put up safety barriers and you put up a new sign."

"What will it say?"

"Stephensons Memorial Nature Reserve."

His jaw dropped.

"March, this way the forest is in your hands, and the town will know it's a very special place for us all."

He didn't say anything he lifted his hand and pulled me in, then I got one hell of a kiss.

"Thank you for helping me."

"You're welcome."

"I stopped doing it, not because of the garage, it was because I knew it was the wrong thing to do. I knew it was unsafe but I didn't know how to fix it. By that time I decided I already had the clearing, and that's where mum and dad were. If the town was against it they never said anything but I could tell some people were not happy."

"Then we fix it, there is nothing we can't do March, making things right is easier than continuing and making it worse."

"Thank you again, that's my feelings exactly. What do we do?"

"We clean it up and let nature take it back, it might take a few years but it won't be an eyesore anymore. I will do a list for Brenda, crossing, roundabout, and safety barriers. I think the council should organise that."

"Nicky are you ever going to feed me?"

"I know what I would like to feed you, but yes how do mushrooms on toast sound?"

"Wonderful." He smiled as his hair flopped down into his eyes.

I spent the morning making a list of things to do, and when each chore was completed I would cross them off. I also made an announcement that stated that the little park would be demolished and given back to nature. The comments I got were heartwarming, there were a lot more relieved people than we thought around this town. A lot of them thanked me and March for deciding it was a bad idea and a lot just thanked us.

Before we went for our second breakfast at May's, I saw her and little Rosie sitting in the sun. I ordered the standard breakfast rolls because I knew March and dad wouldn't be too far behind me, and then I sat with her.

"You did good Nicky, I am very proud of you."

"Well he doesn't make his feelings all that clear cut May, it took me until breakfast this morning to get the real truth out of him."

"He had plans I couldn't stop him, it wasn't that he lost interest he just stopped when Daniel was killed. He lost interest in a lot of things back then and as I know now, he spent more time with Jason, and at the clearing."

"He didn't tell me that May."

"Sorry Nicky, I thought you said he told you everything."

"So it was Rose's son he was doing it for?"

"Not at the beginning, but after his death he lost the will to do anymore."

"But was he doing it for Daniel before the accident?"

"I couldn't say Nicky, I do know he felt something for him. He brought a sort of sunshine into March's grey life now and then."

"Did they spend much time together?"

"No really, they just clicked at school, and March and his mates looked after him if there was any trouble. When March left I doubt they saw each other socially much."

"What was he really like May?"

"Happy-go-lucky, a big smile that never left his face. Nicky, he was just like you." That didn't surprise me at all, it only confirmed what I had thought all along. March had been in love with Daniel even though he said he hadn't been. I didn't think for one moment that I was his second choice, and I sure helped March to come out, because I never hid my attraction to men, in other words, I was out there. Rose always said I reminded her of her dear son, maybe there's some truth in it, but I will never know for sure because I didn't know him.

I do know he was younger than March, maybe he didn't act on anything because of the age difference.

"He's coming Nicky, lose the long face, and I am so sorry I said anything."

"You did well to tell me May. I was just thinking how heartbroken March would have been, and he couldn't tell anyone how he felt."

"I knew how he felt, completely devastated. It was about then I realised my brother had another side to him, but I didn't know what it was.

"Did you say anything?"

"No, but I knew deep down the second you walked into this shop that day something wonderful was about to happen to my brother."

"I will try and make his life a lot better May I promise."

"You already have, a lot of folk's lives have been changed since you arrived." She took my hand and kissed it and March kissed my neck.

"Have you ordered?"

"Yes March, it's on its way."

"Thank you."

I am getting a lot of thank youse this morning, I must have done something right.

"Are you busy?" I asked him.

"Yes and no, three cars and more to come. I think my holiday is over."

"March I want to ask you something, you can say no, but I have to ask anyway."

"Spit it out Nicky, ask away." May had taken little Rosie and Mason inside to change her so I took the opportunity to say something.

"Well I know I suggested Stephensons Memorial Nature Reserve for a name but I am thinking we should change it to the Daniel Davis Nature Reserve."

He went quiet and didn't answer me. Mum bought our rolls out and I picked Mason up to cuddle him when he came back. Eventually, I heard.

"Why?"

"March it implies that the Stephenson family are all dead, and seeing there's no memorial around here for Daniel I thought it might be time to create one."

He stood up and took one hamburger and said.

"I have to get back to work." Then he walked off, I have torn it now, I should be condemned to a cell and a straight jacket.

I let him go and sat quietly, dad came out and asked where March went I told him he was busy.

"We are not busy Nicky, is something up?"

"Get mum to put these in her warmer, I will be back."

I passed Mason over to dad and walked across the road.

March wasn't in there, I found him in the shed. His hamburger sat unopened on the bench and he was leaning on it. I placed my hand on his back, and with my other, I pulled his chin up so I could look at him. He hadn't been crying, he was unreadable.

"I am sorry, it's just something I thought of, and of course, we will give it the original name, the one you planned for it."

He looked me in the eyes and as his full lips parted he moved in and gave me one of his Stephenson specials.

"I love you so much Nicky, what you do for me is unimaginable sometimes."

"So you're not mad?"

"How could I ever get mad at you? You are fixing me all the time, and every time you do, I feel another heavyweight leave my shoulders."

"So it's a good name or a bad one?"

"Good Nicky, I have wanted to call it that since the accident but thought the town might read something into it, so I closed it down."

"You loved him more than you told me didn't you?"

"Yes, I was in love with him Nicky, my heart broke when he died, and I even couldn't tell anyone. It was only on my side, we never spoke about it, but I had fallen head over heels for him."

"What stopped you from taking it any further?"

"I didn't know what to do, he was too young. People have ideas about older men and younger guys. I didn't want that to happen to me."

"You could have waited, but he was at the legal age anyway when he died."

"I could have, but those years of loving him never gave me any indication he was in love with me. I know what Rose said, he told her he fancied me, but a lot of people fancied me back then."

"Well, I for one think you should have spoken to him about it. Stuff what others thought."

"I couldn't do it, I was too closeted, and I had some respect for Rose."

"And now?"

"Now, I am more comfortable with it all, and I still miss him. The day I saw you at May's I stood in the doorway and somehow I knew Daniel had sent you to free me from the pain. At first, I thought you were Daniel coming back to me, but I knew you weren't him. The first time I looked at you, that first kiss, that first, well you know at the clearing. I knew I had scored something better than Daniel, someone that cared deeply for me, and I for him. What you just said to name the forest is the best idea you have ever had, and you're right, that Stephenson one implies we are all dead. But we aren't dead Nicky, we are all still very much alive, and Mason with little Rosie will always be around when we are gone. Yes call it that name Nicky, and thank you, thank you for walking into my town and not leaving."

He kissed me again, this time he meant it and a tear escaped from my eyes because once again March Stephenson had confirmed we would be together forever.

In March Stephensons' mind life goes on, or rather he strives to leave the past behind, and he never ceases to amaze me. I take a lot of things for granted because I have lived in the gay world since the early days, March had no one to talk to in his teens, and I get it. I kissed him like there was no tomorrow and as my hand grabbed his tight ass he moaned.

"Not now Nicky, I'm hungry."

"Let's get you fed then." I picked up the burger and my husband and walked them both across the road.

We didn't tell anyone about the name and will run it past Rose before it's done. We did decide to call the other one Stephenson forest and left out the memorial implications, the clearing will always be March and Nicky Stephenson's clearing in our minds with its private property keep-off sign always looming at the entrance.

"What the fuck, Nicky!" He screamed.

Here it comes, I had better make myself scarce. I ran for the door and then my car, starting it up I thought I might take myself for a drive into the next town. The calendar came out today and Brenda had just dropped a box off for me to sell. I was happily looking through my work when he screamed.

When I got out onto the highway I had to have a good chuckle, he's going to be so pissed off. But I knew by the time I got back he would have settled down.

It was not unlike Mays cafe when I found a coffee shop, then I sat in a corner. I was looking through my phone, and yes, it was a big hit, the comments were dirtier than last year and the ladies are hot to trot. March Stephenson's photo was everywhere, and a stack of hearts was being counted as fans looked at it. We looked good, but I must admit March's pose was a little risky, and showed more than I thought it would, yeah right you believe that don't you, whoops?

I sent May a message to test the waters.

'He's not talking to anyone Nicky, he's held up in the garage under a car.'

'Is he mad?'

'Hard to tell, I hear nothing but cursing and things being thrown around. Poor dad had to come over here to get away from it. Jason's was perfect Nicky. Thank you.'

'You're welcome.'

I stayed there for almost an hour, then I looked around the shops. I had to get back because it was nearly lunchtime and he needed someone to decide what he was having today. I drove back to town and parked outside the gym. When I looked over at the cafe everyone was there. The whole town was having a party and I could see calendars being passed around the tables. I straightened up and walked across the street. The clapping started about then and didn't cease until I took a bow, then I sat down.

"Where did you go?"

"I had some business in the next town March, all done now."

"I have been looking for you." He said through gritted teeth. He couldn't raise his voice at me because everyone was looking at him,

"What are we having for lunch?" I asked him.

"I don't know yet." He gritted back. I lifted my leg and the split opened, he should have noticed that his eyes were always everywhere when it came to me and my shorts.

"Come with me."

"No."

"Come with me otherwise I will drag you across the street."

"Okay, March don't get your knickers in a knot."

I stood up and looked at a smiling May.

"Won't be a moment, I have a star to sort out."

I was dragged across the road, and he even got a few boos on the way. The shed door was swung open and he pushed me against the bench.

"March, I can explain. There are reasons I selected that photo, Mason's smile was cuter, and he looked so adorable."

"Shut up."

"What?"

"Shut up, I hope you're ready for what's coming, because I am more than ready." He grabbed me and pushed me over the bench, my shorts were down and I think I am getting a big reward today.

He mounted me, then he slipped in. With the beat of his hips, he yelled.

"And don't ever think for one second I wasn't expecting it." Grunt.

"Now I have to go and apologise to everyone for being so slutty in that photo." Grunt.

"Didn't you like it March?" My laughing had started, there was no way I could get into this session.

"Don't distract me, I am about to upload."

"Push harder baby, get it all in there." That was the flame that lit his fire, he blew many times more than normal. Grunt, grunt, and grunt. I could hear his heavy breathing, he had collapsed on my back, still humping away. I thought he had gone to sleep, and when I moved he said.

"Don't move, I have more punishment coming your way."

I was sore when he finished for the second time, and I am sure he was well and truly devoid of any strength. He finally stood up and threw the towel at me.

"Clean yourself up. I'll meet you across the road and we are having roast chicken today. That's if there is any left." I roared laughing, and between cleaning myself up and settling my clothes and hair, March Stephenson was already filling his belly with roast chicken.

I walked across and the clapping started again, I bowed and said.

"Our next performance will be in the tub tonight, but unfortunately March Stephenson will not be present, he will be on the couch recovering."

"NICKY!!"

"Coming sir."

"I'll get your lunch you must be starving." Mum grinned.

"Thank you mum, I am a little peckish."

It was then that dad, Rose, and May let out screaming laughs, and if I didn't know any better March Stephenson was smiling into his chicken leg.

"Where's Mase?"

"Sleeping Nicky, out the back with Rosie."

"So you liked the photo?" I asked her.

"Nicky, it is awesome, little Rosie is perfect. Jason, what can I say but still awesome."

"She had just spotted 'Sheep' and was trying to get to her. Jason set it all up. Thank him."

"Oh, I will, believe me, I will tonight." She blushed.

"How come I never see that husband of mines fine ass?" Michelle was standing over me.

"Because you're not adventurous enough Michelle, loosen up a bit."

"Believe me I will, and if I don't see it tonight I will be beating your door down." She walked off giggling. Nudge and his wife Jan were sitting at a table, they both picked up their drinks and saluted me. John from the pub and his girls were the loudest, he was being poked, kissed, and prodded by everyone who passed by. I see he hasn't shaved yet. Cory and Jack ran past calling everyone losers, they had dressed in their Batman and Robin outfits, so funny. But the funniest of all was the Jones boys, their truck pulled up and father and sons lined up beside it, then dropped their jeans and gave the town a good look at their tackle, then they left in a hurry.

March's jaw dropped and he looked at me and said.

"Nicky, what have you turned my town into?"

"Hopefully less stodgy and more normal, March."

"Tonight we go again."

"Looking forward to it." His balls must be aching by now, how is he ever going to get it up again today?

There was no work, the town was having a day off, Mays cafe was out of everything and she would have to do some restocking tomorrow, she was only serving coffees and milkshakes. Mum had cleaned up early, she didn't feel like cooking anymore, and she wanted to join in the festivities. I noticed some customers had gone to get fish and chips, and I know also that May provided the plates and cutlery, she didn't mind at all.

When we finally got home, March pulled me down on the sofa.

"What did you think of the photo?"

"It was amazing Nicky, you looked so beautiful in it. I couldn't stop looking at it."

"You're welcome." I didn't say anymore, because I knew his eyes wouldn't be on himself, just me and Mason.

He had rushed out the back to see if 'Sheep' was still there and I could hear his laughter and Sunnies barking. I lifted my head and looked out. They were running around playing so nothing drastically wrong was going on, when I looked back at my March he was asleep. I reluctantly peeled myself away from him then I sat and read more comments. The town was alive again, with so many jokes, and so much smut, I guess Brenda is having a ball. All these kinds of events bring more people out on the streets. I sat back and wondered if people would pay for a tour to see where the photos were taken, I chuckled to myself I'm being foolish now.

In the distance I could hear horns tooting and people laughing, the party was continuing. I heard the next day the pub was flat out serving counter meals and drinks, John might now realize that sex sells anything.

I had a lot of satisfied ladies sending me messages and Michelle only said one word.

'Awesome'

March's photo was the most popular one, he had over three thousand love hearts, and mine and dads came in second then Jason, John, and the Jones boys got to be happy with their count and Joel was up there also. I knew by the morning there would be no winners, everyone was a winner.

March slept until bedtime, he was a bit miffed I hadn't cooked but I made him a sandwich and he left half of it on the plate. By the time I settled in he was again fast asleep, so no sex tonight.

I could hear my son singing along with the TV in the morning, so I threw back the covers and headed his way. All three of his mates were watching something and I again kissed them all on the head. I put the coffee on and made toast for him. The local page had so many listings it was impossible to read them all, the party had continued online.

When March eventually surfaced he was smiling, he looked at the photo again, then me.

"Oh no you don't, breakfast or me what's it to be?"

"Breakfast Nicky, sorry about the you know what."

"Don't be sorry, am I looking mad?"

"No."

"Later maybe."

"Yes, later. I have something in mind."

I shivered with anticipation then put some eggs and bacon on.

He looked through the town page and was laughing at the comments, Mason came over to see what he was up to and he landed on March's knees laughing along. I will run to work today, that will give me time to settle my giddy head because Brenda sent me a message.

'Twenty-three thousand and rising.'

That's awesome, almost five times what sold last year, the clubs will be so happy.

I did run to work but Mason wanted to ride in comfort, so I could let fly with a good sprint, as usual March followed behind, and it's the behind that attracts him. He gets horned up by watching my ass bounce all over the place. He parked and I helped him with the kids. We said good morning to dad and I checked the facilities out then March grabbed us to go and have a proper breakfast. Mum was smiling and she told me she had run out of food yesterday, and had the best day takings-wise. May said much the same but she was carrying cartons into the shop restocking where she could. She said she would have a pie delivery before lunch, but the rest of her goods won't arrive for another three days.

"You know what to do next year then don't you."

"Be prepared." She giggled.

Our rolls came out and mum sat for a minute, she was expecting to be busy again today.

"They won't be here for the food Nicky, but if they get a glimpse of the number one hunk they will sit all day."

March blushed, but mum went on.

"May I remind you March Stephenson, my husband and son got nearly as many hearts as you did. And for what it's worth, a lot of your hearts were for Nicky." She smiled.

"I know."

"Good."

"I know they all weren't for me, Nicky looked beautiful in the photo. It wasn't a competition, everyone knows he's better looking than me, that's a fact."

"I am glad you saw it my way then." I sat there blushing and when I looked sideways at May I said.

"They're picking on me May." She started with her screaming laughter.

March laughed, and mum looked very satisfied with her observations, although dad did look so sexy in the photo with me, he would have topped the hearts list if I wasn't in it.

"Have you heard from Brenda?" May asked.

"Twenty-five thousand, she has to do a reprint."

"It's for a good cause, the clubs will be so happy," March commented.

"The next project is the coffee table book, it will be out for Christmas," I said.

"It will sell, you have a lot of good photos in reserve. And don't think you can slip in some awful ones without me okaying the final print."

"I wouldn't dream of it March, you have to sign a release form anyway."

"Got it in one Nicky."

Mum got busy and May rang her part-timer, it looks like news has got around that we are at the cafe. March ran across the road and started pumping gas. Everyone wanted it today and he gave them a good show, I could hear him laughing from where I sat. A few woop woops and air fists confirmed he was the best-looking guy in town.

I had signed a few calendars with love, and when I saw a red-faced John from the pub trudge up the street I figured it wasn't a social call.

"What have you done to me, my world has been turned upside down."

"Did your daughters like the attention yesterday?'

"Of course they did, but I'm not happy, people won't leave me alone."

"And that's a bad thing, what were your takings like last night?"

"Excellent actually."

"So you go back to being boring old John and lose the momentum."

"No, yes, I don't know."

"Okay, you keep the three-day growth, ditch the tie and shirts, and wear a t-shirt behind the bar, sex sells John."

"I'm too old." I started laughing because although his daughters are older girls he still had that look and was very nicely packaged, now.

"John, time for a big change in your life. Believe me, you are not ugly or stodgy

But you have to believe in yourself, don't just take my word for it, your heart count is enormous."

"Got to go, I just came by to thank you anyway." He gave me his sexiest grin and left. I yelled out to him.

"Keep that smile on your face, John, no one likes a sour look."

"Get stuffed." He yelled back as he went into one of the stores.

I heard another woop, and when I looked March had dropped his overalls to his waist and was posing for pictures. I think his day is going to exhaust him.

I hadn't heard from Mark, but Rose told me Lily wore her fairy dress to school today. No amount of coaxing her to get into uniform would shift her resolve. So they both wore their dresses and caused a riot in the schoolyard.

He's a good daddy, somewhere there's a lady for him that will love him for himself.

My work is done, and as the crowd gathered outside May's I said my farewells. I took Mason and Sunny back to the gym I wanted to work on the new shops, and Mase needed a nap.

I posed for some photos on the way, March couldn't wipe that smile off his face. So much for not wanting the attention, he was doing quite well and had collected a few phone numbers on the way. It was when dad took over I could see more flashes going off, he also had dropped his overalls.

March came into the gym, he sat with me because once again there would be no work today. He took my hand and kissed it, and when I looked at him he had mischief on his mind, I can tell.

After lunch I was so exhausted with people coming by, the gym was full. I bundled my kids up and decided I would go home, I needed a shower also, I felt so dirty.

March drove us and once again he was looking sideways at me.

"It's not what you think Nicky, I am amazed every day by you, it's hard for me not to stare at you and not feel thankful."

"Thank you March, you know I feel the same."

"Can we?"

"No." I opened my door and turned around to look him in the eye.

"There is no way you are getting near my ass for at least three days March Stephenson, so get those thoughts out of your head."

"Nicky I was just going to ask, can we have corned beef sandwiches tonight?"

"Oh, of course we can, I'm on to it now." I laughed as I hauled our son out of the truck, then took him inside, he has a date with 'Sheep'

I showered put our dinner on the stove, then I started working on the shops. I also made a list of the council works for Brenda, I guess our land taxes will go up. I had a plan so they could raise more money for their coffers but I will wait and see what she comes up with first.

I relaxed in front of the TV, 'Sheep' was being coaxed by my son to join us, but that sheep has smarts, she wouldn't budge from her grazing field.

"Din dins daddy?"

"Not so early possum, are you hungry?'

"No daddy, din dins." He pointed to the stove, my pot was boiling over.

I jumped up and rescued my cooktop from being destroyed then I thanked him with a big hug and kiss.

We both fell asleep not long after and didn't stir until March arrived home early.

I checked the meat and it was falling apart, so I put it aside to cool down a bit then I sat with my husband.

"Donations March, do you know many people with money?"

"Not a lot Nicky, why?"

"Well the roadworks will finish in a few months, then Brenda has to save up to get three things done in town. The zebra crossing, the safety barriers, and the much-needed roundabout. I was thinking if we get enough people together who can donate, we can put plaques on them. Donated to the town by the Wagner family, things like that. I am sure the council would appreciate some help getting these things done. It will also stop them from raising the land tax.

"Good idea Nicky, but I don't want to donate if I can avoid it."

"I know why March, we don't want the Stephenson family's name plastered all over town, I get that. So I thought we would get quotes and offer the plaques to others who make this town their own."

"Well it's a good thought Nicky, do you think people would go for it?"

"Some will, some will also feel left out. Maybe a town raffle would be better. We can get Joel to donate a car and raffle it off."

"We will still have to pay him for it." I agree he shouldn't be asked to do it for free.

"Let me think on it for a while."

"Is it too early for dinner."

"I'll get the bread out and you can go for it, do you want pickles or mustard?"

"Pickles Nicky."

"Coming up." It was then I had a thought, it doesn't have to be the one thing it can be a lot of things. Like free lunches at the boy's restaurant, free beer at the pub, March can donate a set of tires and I can do six months membership at the gym, things like that. I will ask the shopkeepers and the plaques could read 'Donated by the town folk.' And the date.

This is exciting, I did his overloaded sandwich and he sat with a big grin on his face then I did some mashed potatoes and peas for me and Mase, I feel like some veggies tonight. March had almost finished, he had sent May some photos then he looked at mine.

"In the pot, I left some for you."

"Thank you, Nicky."

He got up and had a small plate of veggies and meat. being completely stuffed, I didn't clean up I headed for the couch and laid back. March interfered with me then he must have remembered my words, no sex for three days. He laid his head on my lap and started licking the outer cloth.

"No March."

"I was just having some fun Nicky, no sex involved."

"Then why have I got a boner?"

"You have?" That was his free pass to do anything he wanted while I napped again.

Our phones had been ringing off the hook, and plenty of messages were listened to later on. Nothing too drastic just congratulatory messages. Lily had rung and thanked us, she was so excited on the phone. I will ring her later on or tomorrow. Brenda of course rang several times, she was in her element citing figures and facts, and in the end, I didn't know why she rang.

We woke up around six and then went to tub it. Mason was happy to have his dad's back, he had sat quietly while we slept but now it's playtime again.

We kissed and groped the watched our son play. He is tired and I think another early night is in store for us.

Donations are aways gratefully accepted at Nifty