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Three Strikes

By: pipervaughn



Insolent. 

That was the only word that came to mind as I looked at Jeremy Saitou. Everything about him seemed to radiate impudence: his brightly colored hair (red enough to rival any fire engine), his pierced brow and lower lip, the electric blue plugs in his stretched earlobes, his mouth, which—thanks to a small scar on the right side of his upper lip—was curled into a permanent sneer. 

Then there were the tattoos, mostly hidden by the long sleeved button-up he wore, which covered him from shoulder to wrist on both arms and swirled across his chest in a pattern I'd only glimpsed through the V-neck of his shirts. 

The ink, his posture, the tight shirt and even tighter pants, his studded black belt and scuffed up boots—it all lent to his general air of complete and utter cockiness. You could count on less than one finger the amount of fucks Jeremy gave about the call center or his job.

From the very beginning, his piss poor attitude had irritated the shit out of me. How he'd gotten hired, I had no idea, but of course it was just my luck to get him assigned to my shift. 

I oversaw the customer service department for Alpine Insurance from four to midnight, the final shift before the center closed for the night and the calls got redirected to our sister call center in Jakarta until our six A.M. crew started. We were responsible for maintaining our customers' home and auto policies while dealing with whatever issues might arise outside of actual claims. There were five teams on the loyalty floor at any given time, and every team had a supervisor. Each of those supervisors reported to me, the floor manager, for anything they couldn't handle during the course of their shift. 

Jeremy often popped up on that list. But this time, well, I wasn't annoyed about having him in my office, slumped into one of the two chairs in front of my desk and exuding disdain like some kind of cheap, overbearing cologne. With this latest incident, he'd gotten his third strike, which officially put him out of the game. I couldn't wait to send him and all his attitude packing. 

In a way, it was a pity. There was one thing I would miss about him: the sight of his ass in those skin tight pants every day. Not a very managerial thought, I know, but it truly was a sight to behold. Round, pert, delectable. I wouldn't have minded exploring it for an hour or two. But, God, no other person had ever annoyed me more. He got under my skin, a virus spreading through my bloodstream, an itch I'd never be able to scratch. It drove me crazy. So, while I'd certainly miss the view, I couldn't say I'd be sad to see him go. Temptation like Jeremy Saitou was the very last thing a newly appointed floor manager needed. Hell, maybe the last thing any man needed. He'd be the type to drag you over fire, and then walk away laughing. No way to get close to him without being burned.

Jeremy arched an eyebrow at me as I tried to push those traitorous thoughts aside, his voice cutting across the silence that stretched between us. "Well?"

"You know why you're here." I shuffled through the paperwork on my desk until I found the complaint his supervisor had written up. "It says here you were overheard calling a customer a 'douche bag' and telling him to go, um, 'screw himself.'"

Jeremy leaned forward in his chair and looked at the sheet I was referring to. He shrugged lightly. "Actually, what I said was, 'sit on it and rotate, McDouche.'"

I fought back the sigh that threatened to rise in my chest and steepled my hands—mostly so I wouldn't reach across the desk and wrap my fingers around his graceful, infuriating neck. "Here at Alpine Insurance, we strive to put the customer first. This—"

"Spare me, Shawn," Jeremy interrupted, rolling his eyes. "I heard it all in the training videos."

I smiled tightly. "The training videos you so obviously ignored." 

Jeremy shrugged again, just a half-hearted lift of one slender shoulder. "Whatever you say, Shawn."

The urge to leap over the desk and choke him intensified. I wanted to demand he call me 'Mr. Cole', especially if he was going to be a dick whenever he said my birth name, but company policy stated everyone on staff be on a first name basis. Supposedly, it fostered a 'sense of teamwork' and 'managerial approachability'. Ha. As if that weren't the biggest crock of shit I'd ever heard.

Never mind the fact that the rule hadn't bothered me before Jeremy Saitou and his smartass mouth. Now I wished I could strike it from the company handbook and force him to show me a bit of respect. Preferably on his knees.

Instead, I said, "Well, I'm sure you realize this is your third and final write up. Human Resources will be in touch with your discharge paperwork in the next few days. As for right now, you can pack up your personal possessions and turn your badge in to security on your way out."

Jeremy stared at me for a long time, his eyes dark and inscrutable. Their slight slant was the only thing that gave away his half-Japanese heritage, aside from his alabaster skin. At a quick glance, I wagered most people wouldn't think he was anything but Caucasian. 

Finally, he spoke. "How about this? I do you a little favor, and in return, you give me another chance. Just one. And if I mess up again, you can fire my ass."

I gave a soft, incredulous laugh. "Really, I don't think you're in the position to try to bargain. What could you possibly have to offer me to make it worth my while? I highly doubt you'd welcome the responsibility of additional tasks when you can scarcely handle your own."

"It depends on what those...tasks might be."

I blinked at him, taking in the quirk of his mouth and the sudden heat in his eyes. My throat tightened. "I'm not sure I know what you mean," I forced out. But I did know. If he said what I thought he was going to say, Jeremy was about to cross a line I thought not even he would cross.

"I'll let you fuck me," Jeremy said softly. "Whenever you want. Wherever you want."

The bluntness of his words shocked me. I'd never been propositioned in a work environment before. I sat there in silence, unsure of how to respond. Or, well, my brain was unsure. My cock had already hardened at the idea of bending him over my desk and reaming his ass until that little shit couldn't walk.

"I've seen you watching me," Jeremy continued when I didn't speak. "Don't even try to pretend you don't want me. I can feel your eyes on my ass every time I walk past this office."

It took a few seconds, but eventually I found my bearings. This time my laugh had a hard edge. "I see what you're playing at, Jeremy. I wasn't born yesterday. If I agreed to your little offer here, I'm sure you'd slap a sexual harassment suit on me so fast my head would spin." I snorted and sat back in my chair. "No dice. Try it on someone else and see how far you get."

Jeremy huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. "Fine, then," he said. "How about this instead? You give me a week to improve. Five work days. If by next Friday, you still think I deserve to go, I'll walk away without any fuss."

I tilted my head and looked at him, considering. "Or I could just make you go now."

"You could." He nodded. "But you won't. Out of every manager in this place, no one else is more fair. I've heard you're known for giving second chances, if they're deserved."

My brows shot upward. "And you think you deserve one?" If disbelief filled my voice, I didn't think he could blame me.

To his credit, he flushed, his cheeks reddening under my stare. "I..." He trailed off and licked his lips, quick and nervous. "I need this job. Please." 

I could tell it wasn't an easy thing for him to say. He was glaring at me, and the words seemed to choke him. How he could so casually offer up the use of his body and yet clearly begrudge the idea of asking me nicely, I had no clue. But as much as a part of me did want to see him gone, had it been anyone else asking, I would've allowed them the extra week. I had no choice but to grant him the same.

"All right," I said. "Five days. But if you really want to keep this job, you're going to have to learn to rein in your mouth when you talk to the customers. Our job is to serve their insurance needs, not verbally abuse them."

Jeremy's lips tightened. "He asked for my full name, and then he called me a 'cocksucking Jap' because I wouldn't clear his DUI from our records and reinstate his policy. I didn't think I agreed to put up with ethnic slurs when I signed up for this job, but I guess you wouldn't know anything about that."

I shook my head. "No, you're not expected to put up with any kind of abuse, racial or otherwise. I apologize for that. It's regrettable, but those instances are what your team supervisors are for. If it happens again, ask the customer to hold and transfer the call to your supervisor. If they refuse to deal with the call, you come to me."

Jeremy nodded curtly. "Fine. Are we done then?"

I battled back another sigh at his tone. What had I expected? Gratitude? Not likely. "Yeah," I said. "We're done. See you on Monday."

Jeremy stood and turned toward the door.

"Oh, and Jeremy?" I called just as he reached it. "If you need this job as much as you say you do, you'll make it through next week without calling anyone else a 'McDouche.'"

***

A few hours after my meeting with Jeremy, I made my way to Alpine's on-site fitness center for my usual post-shift workout before heading home. The weekend passed as I expected it to—uneventfully. I jogged both days, worked on the beat up, old '67 Impala I was in the middle of restoring, cleaned the apartment, and picked up some groceries. Nothing exciting. Not unless you counted the three times I'd jerked off while thinking of Jeremy and his offer.

As I walked back in to Alpine on Monday morning, I considered the very real possibility that Jeremy wouldn't bother showing up at all and tried to tell myself I wouldn't be disappointed if he didn't. There he was, though, sitting at his desk, his shock of red hair standing out like a beacon in the sea of tiny cubicles that made up the area outside of my office. And not only was he there, but he was twenty minutes early.

Seeing that he was actually taking his role seriously for once made me feel better about the decision to give him another chance. Only time would tell if he could keep it up for the rest of the work week, but we were off to a good start. 

What would have made it even better? If I could've somehow ignored the way my breath hitched, the warmth that suffused my stomach, the way my skin prickled, sensitized, at just the idea of him being there.

That would've made it awesome. 

***

I kept expecting my work to be interrupted by a call from Jeremy's team supervisor, but it never happened. The shift ended without a single complaint, and as I made my way to the fitness area that night, I couldn't help but be grudgingly proud. Jeremy annoyed me like no one else, but he drew me in the same way. As much as I wanted him gone, for both my sanity and peace of mind, I also couldn't picture being at Alpine without him there. He appealed to me as much as he infuriated me. I honestly didn't know what to do with the mix of feelings being near him inspired.

Well, no sense dwelling on it now. He might be gone in a week.

The thought was both comforting and not. I did my best to shove it aside as I stepped into the men's locker room and exchanged my business attire and dress shoes for a short-sleeved T-shirt, loose track pants, and the pair of beat-up Nike trainers I should've long since replaced. My iPod and a bottle of water were the last things I grabbed. I carried them into the workout area and paused to connect my iPod to the auxiliary cable attached to the sound system in the corner.

The great thing about the Alpine's fitness center at midnight was the fact that it was always deserted, so no one would complain if I blasted my music. I flicked through the menus until I found my exercise mix, turned up the volume, and pressed play. The songs on the playlist were mainly dance tracks, ones with fast, pulsing rhythms to help keep me motivated while I worked out.

I settled into my typical routine, kicking things off with some warm-up cardio. Typically, I switched between jogging and cycling throughout the week. Since I'd jogged over the weekend, I ignored the treadmills in favor of one of the stationary bikes. I'd just finished choosing an exercise program when I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye.

It was so unexpected, I jumped, my heartbeat racing. The person standing near the locker room door was both the first and last one I wanted to see. 

Jeremy.

I opened my mouth to say something—I wasn't sure what—but Jeremy didn't even glance my way. He strolled across the room to the row of three treadmills, his ass gloriously encased in a pair of stretchy yoga pants that looked practically painted on. He was wearing a tank top that clung to his torso, showing off piercings in both of his nipples, lots of firm, lean muscle, and more of the tattoo that stretched across his upper chest. From what I could see, there were two wings that extended from some type of wheel in the center, directly over his sternum. The tips of the wings ended right before the balls of his shoulders on either side. Then his sleeves started, colorful ink sprawling downward to each slender wrist.

I had a moment, a very real moment, when I nearly gave in to the urge to cross the room to him and start tracing those lines with my tongue. Still he ignored me, casual as could be, as if his presence there were totally normal, even though I knew for a fact he'd never once stepped into the fitness area at the end of his shift.

Jeremy got on his treadmill and started it up. While he fiddled with the controls, I finally managed to pull myself together. I snapped my mouth shut, dragged my attention away from Jeremy, and forced myself to begin pedaling.

Of course, not looking at him didn't mean I wasn't painfully aware of him. What was he doing? Why had he come? Had he only just realized the fitness center was freely available for employee use, or was it some kind of trap?

Those questions plagued me as I went through my workout routine, scrolling around in my head like an electronic stock ticker, too fast for me to really make sense of, let alone find the answers to.

He did his thing, and I did mine, moving on to the weights and trying to pretend his very presence wasn't driving me to distraction. We didn't speak, and he didn't complain about the music. We just exercised to the soundtrack of my workout mix, and when he was done, while I was still doing my cool down stretches, he left as quietly as he had come.

The same thing happened the next night, and the night after that. On Thursday, though, things changed.

He came in wearing a similar outfit to the ones he'd worn all the other days, except halfway through his jog, he stripped off his tank top and tossed it aside. Needless to say, it was hard to look at anything else after that.

I snuck glances at his glistening skin whenever I got the chance. Save for a wicked-looking skull tattoo on his left shoulder blade, his back was surprisingly free of ink. That long stretch of unmarked alabaster tempted me almost more than the rest of him. I wanted to lick, suck, find out how he tasted there, how that flawless skin would feel against my lips and fingertips. I wanted to drag my tongue along his spine to the nape of his neck and gnaw on him a little. I wanted to follow that same path down to the waistline of his pants, tug them down, and reveal that pert, luscious ass that had taunted me for months on end.

He was gorgeous. Every inch of him. All I'd seen and, I'd venture to say, all I hadn't seen as well.

It was unreal how much I wanted him then, a yearning more intense than any I'd ever felt before, a need to bury myself inside him and make him mine, show him who was well and truly in charge, the possessor, the one to whom he belonged.

His eyes met mine across the room just as that thought crossed my mind. He stopped the treadmill, stepped off, and stood there, breathing hard from his efforts, his chin tilted up, mouth as insolent as ever, practically daring me to come to him.

I accepted the challenge, leaving the weight bench and crossing the room to him, invading his personal space and forcing him to tilt his head back even farther to look at me. "What are you doing?" I asked. "Trying to trap me? It won't work."

He shook his head, a quick, sharp motion. "This isn't about trapping you. I offered to let you fuck me. That offer still stands."

Almost against my will, I touched him, settling my hands on his bare waist, my fingers digging into his heated skin. "Why?" I demanded, and then shivered when his fingers slipped under the hem of my T-shirt, skating lightly over the sweat-dampened flesh at the small of my back.

"Because as much as I need this job, that wasn't why I offered." He leaned up and nipped at my chin, his teeth scraping across my day's worth of stubble. "I want you. I have since the beginning. I thought this might be my only chance to have you."

I groaned when his questing lips slid down my neck and his teeth delivered another bite, this one sharper, stinging. "You drive me fucking crazy. You know that?"

I felt his smile against my skin. "I tend to have that effect on people."

His fingers circled around to my front, dipping below the waistline of my athletic shorts. I was tempted to let him go further, so very tempted, but I had to put a stop to it before things got out of hand. "We can't do this here," I said, breathless.

Jeremy ignored me, his hand finding my cock and squeezing gently. "We can, and we will," he murmured into the hollow at the base of my throat. His fiery colored hair tickled as it grazed my chin. "Come on. No one else is here. Just us."

He was probably right. Normally, when I finished my workout, I was the last one out of the building. There were no guards, no overnight staff. Still, there was a risk involved. Just because no one had ever shown up before didn't mean it wasn't possible.

"The locker room," I gasped out as he continued to massage my cock, his thumb skimming over the pre-come that had beaded at the tip. "We can lock the door."

Jeremy nodded. He pulled his hand from my shorts with obvious reluctance, and we separated long enough to gather our respective belongings. Once in the locker room, he secured the door behind us and dropped his shirt to the floor.

"Come here," he said, grabbing my hand and dragging me over to a nearby bench. He sat and pulled me between his spread thighs, tugging me closer until my crotch was even with his face. Without another word, he hooked his thumbs into the waistband of my shorts and the jock I wore underneath and yanked them both down at once.

My cock sprang free, achingly hard and jutting straight out from my pelvis. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the head, smearing his lips across the fluid that had collected there and painting his full, soft mouth with my pre-come. "You smell good," he whispered, and then flicked out his tongue, rubbing the barbell that pierced it across my slit. "You taste even better."

I hissed and fisted a hand in his hair, urging him to take me in. "Suck me. I want to see your pretty mouth wrapped around my dick."

Jeremy might have had an issue with authority when it came to work, but he didn't hesitate to follow my command right then. He flashed me a sly grin and parted his lips, sucking me in and engulfing my cock in slick, wet heat.

I couldn't tear my gaze away from his face as he worked me over, his suction perfect, his tongue clever, his fingers light and teasing on my balls. He stared back at me, his eyes hot and dark, so dark, from beneath the fringe of his fiery red bangs.


Three Strikes And A Home Run



I walked out of the courthouse a free man once more. My heart was heavy but my anger was subsiding. To my surprise I hadn't gotten screwed too badly this time. I headed for the public parking lot and my trusty old F150. It was a forty mile drive home and I really needed to get on the road. My children would be home from school soon and I needed to be there for them. I had a neighbor woman who watched them when I was busy but with their mother gone I felt I should spend as much time with them as I could.

I came opposite to the door for a little hole in the wall bar just down from the police station and for some reason I entered. The noise level dropped several decibels as the patrons turned to look at me. I knew I didn't belong. Every person I could see inside wore a Law Enforcement uniform or a badge somewhere on their person. Of course all were armed as well. I stood for a moment to let my eyes get more used to the darkness after the bright August mid afternoon sunlight. I almost sighed out loud when I felt the ice cold air surround me. The thermometer on the corner bank showed it was 108 F on the courthouse square. There had not been a breath of wind. My shirt was wet with sweat but only part of it had come up during my walk from the courtroom. The courtroom had been too hot and I had been sweating from nervousness as well. I was sure my body odor was way too noticeable.

I moved to the bar through smoke so thick you could cut it with a knife. Even in this day of health conscious people the clientele smoked like chimneys. It was a tension reliever as much as anything for them and they didn't seem to care if it reduced their capability to run after perps. I glanced once more around the room and took an unused seat at the bar. The bartender looked at me for a moment then she wandered up to me. She stood looking at me with a raised eyebrow and spoke not a word. She had let me know by her silence I was not welcome there. I leaned on the bar and said, "Dos Equis Lager. No glass."

I watched the bartender turn and saunter to the coolers in the middle of the bar. She rummaged around for a moment and pulled the bottle from the back. She popped the top and walked back to me. The bottle thumped loudly when she placed it before me on the bar. "That'll be $4.75."

I took a deep pull on the bottle and sat it back down carefully. Damn, that was the coldest beer I had tasted in a week. Of course Leo's claim to fame was their promise of the coldest beer in the county. They kept the cooler set at 30 degrees F. I reached into my pocket and pulled my wallet out. I found a five and dropped it on the bar in front of the tender.

Once again nothing was said as she picked up the bill and walked toward the cash register. I watched her ass wobble inside her faded jeans. When she turned away her breasts wobbled inside the loose shirt she wore. It was plain to see her D's were not restrained by any damn bra. As she moved away almost waddling her ass cheeks bounced around in her pants like two raccoons in a burlap sack. Cora had been tending bar at Leo's for as long as I had known of the place. When her husband Leo died she became the owner and only full time employee.

Without a word my twenty five cents in change was slapped onto the bar in front of me. She turned once more and waddled away. By now I had already downed almost two thirds of my Dos Equis. The bartender was studiously ignoring me. I wondered if I would be allowed another beer if I asked for it. I watched the other patrons in the back bar mirror as they resumed their interrupted conversations. The noise level increased once more.

I had maybe one or two more swallows of beer left when a group at one of the tables decided to leave. Two of the patrons stared at me when they walked past on the way to the door. The third officer, a plain clothes officer stopped beside me. "It's been a long time Dean. Why did you come back," he asked.

I looked up at the big bastard and wondered if I could take him down again. After all these years I still wanted to try. I was in better shape than I had been years before and he looked much softer. I thought I could take him but I really didn't want to try. The last time had not ended well for either of us. I let myself relax and the tension drain from my body. "Stupid I guess Sean. Just got out of court and decided to get a brew before I headed home. No law against that is there? I just had my third strike and got rid of another cheating skank. I needed a brew before I headed on back home." I laughed then continued, "But you probably know all about that. I'm sure you or someone you know has been sampling her cheating ass too.

Sean smirked at me and said, "No, I suppose legally you can drink anywhere you're man enough to but you make a lot of people nervous. Why don't you find somewhere else to drink? Somewhere you don't bother the other customers and you'll be more welcome. Hell none of us want a loser like you in here. Makes us look bad to be seen with a loser that can't satisfy his women and keep them from cheating on him."

I laughed and said, "Oh, I will; hell, I have. I know better than to have a drink in here with my old friends. What are some of them afraid I'll be gunning for them still? Or did some of them fuck Paula too? If they did tell them I don't give a shit. I learned my lesson when you fucked Terri. You still with the cheating skank?"

Sean tensed and leaned toward me. I knew he was still married to my ex and I also knew things were not all roses in their household. They were both screwing around and had separated several times and got back together. I was surprised their marriage had lasted the seven years it had. I had only been married to the skank eighteen months before she cheated on me and I threw her to the curb. I wondered why Sean didn't do the same thing. I guess some guys just don't give a damn about things like that. 

When I found out Sean had been fucking my first wife I took matters into my own hands. Several nights when I was on duty I drove out of my patrol area off and on until I finally saw what I expected. Sean's car was parked in the street near my home. I pulled into my driveway and walked into my home. Sean and Terri were in bed together cooing and cuddling after a session of loving. All that saved me from jail that time was the video cameras I had secreted to cover the bedroom and living area of the house. I slammed the door back as I walked into the bedroom and it bounced off the door stop. That startled the drowsy lovers into frantic action. I walked into the bedroom and stood at the foot of the bed staring at my ex friend and soon to be ex wife. 

Terri screamed at the noise and seeing me glaring at her. She cowered back against the bed headboard and pulled the sheet up over her to her chin. I could see the fear in her face. Sean jumped from the bed and started toward me. I had known him long enough to know what buttons to push verbally. As soon as he stood I began verbally attacking him. I told him to get his ass out of my house. I also told him I was going to his home and tell his wife what I had caught him doing. I had my cell phone in my hand taking pictures as we confronted each other just in case the video camera wasn't operating for some reason.

With an oath Sean slammed into me and knocked the cell phone from my hands. He pulled his hand back to hit me once more when I tore into him. I kicked him in the balls then slammed my knee up in his face as he bent forward. I pushed his head down into my knee as it came up. He fell to the floor out cold. When I walked past him I kicked him once more for good measure. I'll let you guess where I kicked him.

I told Terri to be out of the house before I got off duty. I picked up my phone and walked from the room, out of the house and back to my cruiser. I had the cameras I had set up in my home feeding into a computer in my locked office so didn't worry too much about the video I hoped to have of the little tryst. I went straight to Sean's home. It was nearly three a.m. when I rang the doorbell at the Michaels residence. A very sleepy looking wife came to the door. When she saw me standing in the door in uniform she screamed and said, "Oh, Noooo, please not Sean!"

"Yeah, Sean but not the way you are afraid of Mrs. Michaels. I just came from my home where I found him in bed with my wife. I have pictures if you want them."

"Nooooo. That can't be. He's supposed to be at the station tonight. He's Sergeant of the watch."

"No, I'm afraid you've been misled Mrs. Michaels. He was off duty today. Jackson is Sergeant of the Watch. Now, do you want me to send you the pictures? If you do give me your e-mail address and I'll get them to you in a day or two."

"No. I don't believe you. Sean wouldn't do that to me."

"Yeah, he would. Here look." I showed her some of the pictures on my phone and she collapsed on the floor crying. I felt bad for her but good about bringing more pain to good ole Sean. I turned away from the crying woman, smiled to myself and walked back to my cruiser to resume my patrol.

About thirty minutes after I left the Michaels home I was called back to the station. I was removed from duty and placed on suspension without pay for leaving my patrol area and for attacking an officer in the performance of his duty. Get this, Michaels and Terri had told the Lieutenant that she had called him for help because she thought there was an intruder in our home. I had supposedly been coming home for a little loving when I saw Sean in the house and went berserk accusing them of cheating on me and attacked him!

Of course I used the video I took from my house to defend myself of the charges made against me for attacking Sean. Those pictures saved me from being incarcerated for attacking Sean. They also cost him a reduction back to the ranks and suspension from the force for a short time. No, Sean had reason to hate me in his eyes even though I felt totally justified in what I had done to him.

Well, that marriage went into the toilet and so did my job. I was fired for my transgressions and taken to the cleaners by dear sweet Terri. I lost the house and half of our savings. I was ordered to pay support to her but thankfully that ended in less than a year when she married Sean after his divorce was final. Sean hated me with a white heat. I could see his fists clenching with his desire to strike me. I almost wanted him to but I hoped he wouldn't.

I glared at Sean and waited. It was his move. Finally he smirked at me and said, "Yeah Terri and I are still married asshole. No thanks to you. I know you're the one who keeps sending us the incriminating pictures. Why don't you get a life and leave us alone?" He laughed and continued, "Or not. Hell you may be doing me a favor. She's heard so often that I'm a cheating bastard and seen so many pictures you sent that now I could cheat on her and she wouldn't believe it. You've caused some problems but I gotta admit you have helped me too."

I almost told him I wasn't the main person taking the pictures and sending them to him and Terri. I had been taking some of Sean one night and another officer had seen me. He and some of his brother officers liked what I had done and began to do it also. There were a lot of officers that hated Sean's guts for one thing or another. Some of them hated him for the same reason I did. They were making his and Terri's life pretty miserable. I also didn't tell him I had only sent one set of photos. I wasn't following him or her and never had been. The one picture I had sent I had just accidently seen him with another woman in a bar shortly after my divorce from Terri. I really couldn't care less now one way or another.

Sean turned and walked jauntily out the door. I squinted my eyes when the sunlight burst through the door as he walked out. One of my last remaining friends enforcement came in as Sean left. When she saw me sitting at the bar she smiled and began walking toward me. Jackie and I had been in the police academy together. She had gone into the Sheriff's department when I went into the city police force. She glided across the floor and took the stool beside me.

Our taciturn bartender looked up at Jackie and raised her eyebrows. "Usual," she asked.

Jackie nodded her head and pointed at my Dos Equis bottle then held up two fingers. In moments a beer was sat in front of each of us. Jackie handed a ten to our host and waved her away.

We each took several sips of our beer then Jackie looked at me in the bar mirror. "I was in the courthouse earlier. I saw you in family court. Heard about Paula. Damn Dean you sure can't pick them can you? What is it now three?"

I sighed and nodded my head yes then said, "Yeah you know it is. Sean got the ball rolling with Terri. Hell that one only took about eighteen months. Then there was the kid's mom Suzie. At least she lasted almost five years before I caught her with the damn football coach at her school. Patty was really a surprise though. Shit, we were only married nine months when I began to suspect she was stepping out on me. Guess I should have known that would happen. Damn, I was an officer and knew how"

I looked at Jackie and saw her face tighten. I hurriedly continued, "Sorry Jackie. I shouldn't have gone there. Hell, I didn't mean all of the women on the force were like that I just guess I'm bitter. She was a damn dispatcher for Christ's sake. Oh, hell, I don't know what I mean. Crap."

Jackie smiled and placed her dainty little hand on my forearm. "I know Dean. Hell, it's a job hazard almost. There is so much tension and testosterone in the air that we are all tempted. Some of us just don't have the willpower to ignore the temptation and go home for our release."

"Yeah, whatever. I notice you and Ed haven't succumbed to the temptation though. If you guys and some of the others can do it why couldn't Patty or Sean for that matter?"

"Hell, you know from your time on the force Dean. Some people are just weak. Some are serial womanizers like Sean. Now cheer up drink your beer and get home to those kids." She shook her head and said, "That's one I'll never be able to figure out. I still can't believe Suzie just took off for an overseas job and left those darling kids with you. How can a mother, hell how can any parent just take off and leave their children like that?"

"Don't know Jackie but I'm damn glad she did. I really thought when the court refused to let her take them out of the country she would stay here or try to take them anyway. I love having them home with me. Little Howard finished kindergarten this year and Stacy was in first grade. Everything is still new and exciting for them and they have such a zest for life. I couldn't stand it if she had stayed here and kept primary custody of them. Sometimes it's hard working and arranging for them to be cared for properly but I wouldn't do it any differently for love or money."

Jackie and I both finished our beer at the same time. We sat a moment just enjoying each other's company. Finally with a sigh Jackie stood to leave and said, "Guess I should go. I still have to fix supper for Ed, get some laundry done then get to bed in time to be fresh as a daisy for the morning shift." I stood and followed her out of the dim bar into the glaring light and heat of another August afternoon in southwest Missouri. We had both parked in the same lot so we visited as we walked to our vehicles.

On the way home I thought about my last failure in the romance department. At least this time I had been smart enough to get a prenuptial agreement from Patty. We each walked away from the marriage with what we had brought into it and split the small amount we had accumulated in the little over a year it had lasted. I had been operating the family farm when my second marriage had failed but did not own it yet. Because of that I had only been required to divide bank accounts with Suzie. She had been very angry about that. For some reason she thought my mother had signed the farm over to me when Dad had died. Actually all she had done was turn over the operation to me. I suppose since Mom referred to it as my farm Suzie thought that meant I owned the land, equipment and animals. Now I wondered if that was why she had married me?

Mom died shortly after Crystal and I divorced and I became the owner of the farm then. It wasn't a very large farm—only about two sections—but I made a pretty good living on it. In truth I made more profit on the farm than I would be making as a patrolman if I hadn't lost my job. To top that off I enjoyed the work and freedom much more on the farm. Some days if I didn't feel like working I could just say screw it and goof off. Life was hard but I loved it on the farm.

I got home about 45 minutes after I left Joplin. My two kids and their sitter were in the back yard. The kids were playing in their little wading pool while Tammy sat at the picnic table reading and watching them. Stacy jumped from the pool and came running toward me when she saw me. Howard followed behind slowly. I gave both the kids a hug and walked to the kitchen for another beer.

I came out and sat at the table across from Tammy. "Hey Dean. Is it all over now?"

"Yeah, I'm outta the ballgame now Tam. I just had strike three in the bottom of the ninth inning." I sat looking out over the brown dry grass in the yard. I could barely see the small stream separating my yard from the south field through the trees that lined the stream bank. I let my mind wander to a more pressing problem than the end of my third marriage. I had to start feeding my cattle hay almost three weeks before and I was worried I would not have enough to get through the winter if it didn't rain soon.

This was the worst drought in 65 years according to news reports. Cornfields that normally yielded between 150 and 200 bushels per acre had already been chopped for silage because the grain was so poor it wasn't worth letting it mature to combine. Other crops were doing just as badly because of the lack of water. Many farmers were already selling cattle they would not normally sell because they could not feed them. It was expected to get much worse before it got better.

I could survive thanks to my crop insurance but things would be tight. At least I was able to irrigate some of my grassland by pumping water from the stream that ran through my farm. I looked over at Tammy and saw her watching me. I tried to smile then said, "Well, guess I can watch the kids for the rest of the day Tam. Why don't you get on home? I don't think I'll need ya tomorrow but I'll call if I do."

That fall Stacy was in second grade and Howard the first grade. Shortly after school started Tammy came to see me. "Dean I'm not going to be able to watch the kids after school much this year I'm afraid. Things just aren't getting any better for Jack and me. Jack's already working part time at the feed mill but we're going to lose the farm if I can't find a full time job in town to help out. I'm sorry I can't stay on with you. I just need more money to get us past this damn drought. I'll watch them until I get a job or until you find someone else but you'd better plan on finding someone real soon. If you still want me to watch the kids some and we can fit it in with my work schedule I can still do that though."

"Crap Tam. I'm sorry to hear that. I don't know what I can do but if you and Jack need anything and I can help let me know. I sure hate to let you go. The kids love you so much. Do you know anyone that can help?"

"No not right off hand. I'll keep my eye out though. Sorry."

In early October Tammy stayed to talk to me one evening after I got back in from the field. "Dean, have you found a sitter yet?"

"No, I did find one old woman in town that would be willing to watch them part time but I can't find anyone who wants to come out here and watch the kids in our house. Most of them aren't willing to stay late the nights I am still working in the fields or they want a guaranteed full time job. Why? Did you finally find work?"




Three Strikes And A Home Run



"Well sort of. I got hired at Wal-Mart for the Christmas season. They said I might get to stay on full time after if things work out. I'm supposed to start next week. Sorry."

Between Tammy, the old woman in town and a couple of friend's wives I managed to take care of my child care needs through the holidays and until early March. I was having trouble juggling helpers though. Some of them wouldn't come to the farm to sit with the kids. Some of them didn't have transportation to pick them up or bring them home so I had to stop what I was doing and go deliver the kids to the sitter in the afternoon. Then I would have to go pick them up after I was finished working. Sometimes that was really late. Sometimes I had to stop working before I was ready to do so because none of the sitters was willing to have the kids at their home late in the evening.

In early March I was working in the shop repairing some machinery when I heard a car drive up. I walked to where I could see the driveway and saw a sheriff's car in the drive. I looked toward the house and saw Jackie walking back toward her car. I smiled and yelled, "Hi Jackie. What brings you out here into the boonies? Did they finally find the body where I left it?"

"NOT funny Dean. Dean I've got a little problem and I thought you might be able to help me solve it. Have you found someone to watch your kids yet?"

"Well sort of. I have half a dozen people who watch them some of the time. I have to miss a lot of work hauling them around and sometimes I have to stop working before I'm ready so I can pick them up at night. I still haven't found anyone who can be on call all the time and watch them here at the house. Why?"

Jackie looked embarrassed and said, "Well that dumb ass sister of mine is just about as poor a picker of husbands as you are of wives. She caught her husband cheating on her two three weeks ago and kicked him out. She filed for divorce and needs work. This is the second husband she's caught cheating on her. She had been a stay at home mom and you know how the job market is right now. She thinks she's going to lose the house too. They've been renting ya know. Anyway Jack and I told her they could stay with us for a while but she still needs a job. Her asshole hasn't got a very good job as it is and he is being a butthead about sending her any money so far. How about it?"

I sort of remembered Jackie's sister. Jackie had been a couple years behind me in school and Crystal was a couple years behind her. "Jackie that would be a lot of driving for her. What is it about twenty five miles from your place to mine? "

"Yeah but she really needs the work Dean."

"Well I don't know. Some days I wouldn't need her but three hours or so. Some days I would need her some in the morning and later in the evening. Would she want to stay here all day and if she did would she expect to be paid for the time she was waiting on the kids? After tax and gasoline she wouldn't make more than five dollars or so on the short days. Are you sure she really wants to do the work for that?"

"I don't know Dean but she needs something. And other days she'll probable get twelve or fourteen hours when you're planting or harvesting so things will even out won't they?"

"Yeah but I might not even need her some days also. Say, she has kids too doesn't she?"

Jackie nodded her head yes.

"Well who's going to watch? Oh! She'll be bringing her kids down here with her won't she? Or are they in school yet? How will she handle that? Hell that would help her right there if they aren't in school wouldn't it? They could all eat here as part of the deal and she wouldn't have to worry about child care."

Jackie said the children weren't in school yet and I relaxed. This might really work out. I smiled and said, "Tell ya what. Have her come visit with me and we'll see what happens."

Jackie and I visited for a few more minutes and she left. Said she needed to get back on patrol. Must be nice to be a Deputy Sheriff and just drive around the biggest part of the county with no worries.

Two days later just after I got the kids on the school bus a ratty old Mustang pulled into my drive. I was afraid I would have to give whoever it was driving it a gallon of oil before they could leave it was burning so much.

I watched as a pretty but ran down, pale looking young woman climbed out of the old beat up car. Two young children were inside bouncing around trying to see out. I was once again in the shop. I walked toward the woman wiping grease off my hands as I went. She looked slightly familiar and I was pretty sure this would be Jackie's younger sister Crystal.

I smiled as I got closer to the woman. She looked hesitant and a little frightened when I walked up. "You must be Crystal unless I miss my guess. Jackie told me you would be coming to visit with me. I don't think I would have recognized you if I hadn't been expecting you to come out."

Crystal gave me a tentative smile and nodded her head. "Yeah. I hate to bother you like this Dean, uh, Mr. Thomas but I'm really desperate. My husband doesn't send me enough money to get the kids what they need sometimes and I just can't ask Jackie and her husband to furnish everything for us. I feel like such a worthless freeloader as it is."

"First things first Crystal. You had it right the first time. My name is Dean and whether you work for me or not that is what I want you to call me. Now, why don't you come on in and we'll see what we can work out."

Crystal looked at me a moment then turned to the kids with a scared expression on her face. She walked to the door of her car and said, "Now you two sit still and don't touch anything. I have to go talk to Mr. Thomas for a few minutes then we'll leave."

I stopped walking toward the house and turned back to Crystal. "Whoa there missy. I didn't mean for you to leave your babies out here in the heat. Bring them on in too. It isn't right to leave kids alone in a vehicle. They can't get into anything my kids haven't been into time after time ya know."

Crystal looked up at me in surprise I thought. I got a weak smile from her then she turned and said, "Ok you two. Get out of the car and come with me. Now I don't want you running around and causing trouble either you hear me?"

I watched as a little boy maybe four years old jumped down from the front seat. His mother tried to catch him under the arms and succeeded somewhat. He looked up at her disgustedly and said, "I can do it myself mamma. You help Sissy."

While Crystal was helping Sissy from the child seat in the middle of the small back seat the little fellow marched up to me and said, "Hi Mister. I'm Timmie and I'm this many (he held up 4 fingers). I get to go to school next year.

"Timmie I told you to be good. Now don't bother Mr. Thomas. I looked up from where I was squatting in front of Timmie to see Crystal coming toward me with a little princess sitting on her hip. The little girl was chewing on her finger as she gave me the once over. "Dean as he has already told you this is Tim, my son and this little angel is Celeste, my daughter but I'm afraid we call her Sissy most of the time."

"Hi Sissy," I said. "If it's ok with your mother would you and your brother like some juice when we get into the kitchen?" Sissy grinned at me and nodded her head before trying to hide it in her mother's shoulder.

When I got my guests into the house I asked about drinks and seated us all at the kitchen table. I put a cookie jar in the center and gave everyone their drink and a napkin. Crystal and I talked about what I needed in a babysitter and what I could afford to pay. She agreed on $35 a day for watching my kids, no hourly limit if she and the kids could eat with us every day. She even agreed to do some of my housework and cooking the days she was here. She also agreed to stay around most days instead of driving back and forth. That would save her money on gasoline since many school days I only needed her in the mornings and evenings.

I showed her around the house so she could see where things were. She agreed to begin working the next day. To my surprise Howard and Stacy took to her and her children right off. They had been somewhat unhappy with some of the women I had caring for them in town. I began working longer and longer hours with my spring planting. I had about a third of my tillable ground in winter wheat and the rest, about 600 acres I would split between corn and soy beans. I had sixty brood cows and 300 acres for them to graze on or set aside for hay for them. I also had a few chickens and hogs to round out my operation. Spring and fall were my busiest time of year.

During the first week, to my surprise, Crystal completely cleaned my house. She had started in the kitchen, and then moved to the bathrooms and on to other rooms. I sat at the table the third day she was there and said, "Crystal I feel bad about some of the things you are doing here. I hired you to watch the kids not to be a house cleaner. This place looks great but I don't want you to think you have to do this too."

Crystal looked upset and said, "I thought you said light cleaning could be part of my job too when I was here. I'm sorry if I upset you. I was just trying to help Dean. I'll stop if you want me to. I just hate to sit here all day reading and watching the kids play. OH!" She pulled her hands to her mouth and her eyes got big. "I'm sorry. I won't charge you for it. I know it would be a lot to pay for all the hours I'm not watching the kids and all. I just feel like I need to do more."

"NO, NO Crystal. That's not the problem. I just don't want you to make a habit of working yourself to death. Relax some. I appreciate all you've done and you do but you don't need to be running yourself to death all day every day."

Several times over the next week I would walk into the house and find Crystal sitting watching her children play while she read. Every time I came into the house and she was resting Crystal would look guilty and begin working. Finally one day I got myself a beer and walked into the room where she was working and said, "Crystal I need to talk to you for a few minutes. Would you please come into the kitchen with me?"

Crystal looked up from her dusting and said, "I'm sorry Dean. I was just resting for a moment."

I sighed and walked to Crystal. I pulled the dust rag from her hand. I led her to the couch and sat then pulled her down beside me. I turned to her and said, "That is sort of what I want to talk to you about. Crystal have I ever said I was unhappy with what you do around here for us?" Crystal bit her lip and shook her head no.

"Well Crystal if I'm not unhappy and I haven't complained to you about things and I haven't yelled at you for not doing something then why do you always jump up when I come in and begin working again? You make me feel like an ogre, like you're scared of me or something. I've told you and told you I don't expect you to work all the time and don't want you to do that."

"But Frank always said no house could be too clean and he got upset when he came in from working hard and I was resting. I"

"Whoa there again Crystal. Do I look like Frank? Do you see me resting from time to time? Have I ever said or done anything that made you think I cared if you read a book or played with your kids? Dammit woman I hired you to watch my kids and told you that it was ok to just stay here during the day while you weren't working. You were the one who offered to do some cooking and light housework for me in addition to that." I smiled and continued, "I would take it as a personal favor if you would just chill a little and relax around me. Ok?"

Crystal gave me a tentative smile and nodded her head yes. "I'll try but I don't know if I can do that Dean."

Over the next couple of days Crystal got better about jumping up and beginning to work when I came in. Sometimes if I stayed in the house for long she couldn't stand it and came to do something but she was better. One afternoon I had just begun working after a ten minute stop for lunch when my damn planter broke. A wheel bearing froze up and this of course stopped the wheel from turning correctly. I was screwed. I unhitched the tractor and tore off for the shop and my tools. Crystal was in the yard watching her kids play on the swing set when I came roaring into the lot. She watched as I dove off the tractor and headed for the house. I was already on the phone when she followed me into my office.

Crystal stood listening while I explained my problem to the implement dealer. I was leafing through my planter manual while I talked. We got all the preliminaries out of the way and he checked to see if they had the necessary parts in stock so I could make the repairs. I told him I would be in as soon as I could. 

I hung up and was muttering to myself about the damn two hour drive there and back and the time I was going to lose on the repair. I felt and heard Crystal walk up behind me. She put her hand on my shoulder. I jumped at her touch and turned toward her. This was the first time I had been touched by a woman in almost three months. It surprised me and was strangely comforting at the same time. Crystal said, "Dean I heard what you said to the implement dealer. I can drive into town and pick up the part for you if you want me to. That way you can begin tearing the damaged part out and maybe you can get back to work faster."

I looked into Crystals eyes and saw the worry there. I also felt myself relaxing a little at the little reduction of pressure on my time. Hell, why not I thought. I can pay her for the trip and she can use my truck. It would save me at least two or three hours on the repair. I felt myself smiling and said, "Sure, why not. Thank you Crystal. That would be a big help. I need you to take my truck though since this is farm business. When you get back could you bring it across the stream to where I'm working? When you get through the band of trees you will be able to see the machinery in the field from there."

Crystal smiled and said, "No problem Dean." She turned back to the kitchen door and said, "Kids come on. We have to go to town for Mr. Thomas. Hurry now. We have to hurry and get a part for his planter so he can get back to work."

Much to my surprise Crystal and the kids had their child seats moved from her old rattle trap mustang to the rear seat of my Super Crew and were driving down my lane before I had my repair trailer hooked to the tractor. I was on my way back to the field to begin my repairs less than thirty minutes from breaking down.

When I got to the field I began disassembling the planter for the repair. I found a weld that had broken and I rewelded it. I had some trouble getting the wheel and old bearing off. The race had gotten so hot it had partially welded itself to the shaft. I had only been done with the disassembly a few minutes when Crystal came driving into sight. I had heard her roaring through the stream and was worried because I had forgotten to ask her if she knew how to put the truck into 4 wheel drive. Many times you needed to do that because the rocks were slick and the bank steep coming out.

When Crystal got to me she jumped out of the truck and reached into it for the parts. She turned toward me and smiled. She had a bag from the parts store in one hand and a large 44 oz insulated cup with ice tea in the other. I reached for the parts and she shook her head, "Uh, UH," She said. You look like you need a drink right now. It won't take you too long for some tea then you can get back to work."

I smiled and took the drink. I downed it in less than a minute then she handed me the bag of parts. I turned to work. I had been working for a couple minutes when I felt a presence beside me. I looked up and little Tim was squatting beside me watching. He didn't say a word. I smiled and returned to my task. I felt another shadow this time and looked up again. Crystal was standing behind Tim with Sissy on her hip watching me also.

I worked on. My audience didn't say a word or move. Finally after almost two more hours I tightened the last bolt and stood. Crystal moved back and Tim stood to watch me. I was followed back and forth as I replaced the tools in my tool box on the repair trailer.

I had told Crystal three times she didn't have to stay but she had. She had only returned to the house once and that was to pick up my kids when they got back from school. I looked at my audience and then turned to crystal. "I'm going to take off down the field and see if it works ok. Would you mind waiting a minute for me to get back?"

She nodded her head and I continued. "If everything's ok can you take the trailer back to the shop if I hook it up for you?"

"I suppose I can try but I wouldn't want to break it. I've never pulled a trailer before."

"It's pretty easy Crystal. Just park the truck in front of the shop and I'll put it away when I get back. Just go slowly when you go through the creek and it'll be ok."

I worked through supper that night and kept on until almost midnight. I had finished planting my corn and took off for the house. Tomorrow I would begin preparing the field for the soy beans I would plant later.

I pulled up to the house and almost all the lights were on in the kitchen and living room. I just pulled the tractor into the shed and left it hooked to the planter. I started the truck and pulled it in beside the tractor. I would unhook everything in the morning.

I walked into the kitchen and saw Crystal standing by the stove. She was standing there in an old T-shirt. From the way she moved I didn't think there was anything but her under it either. She looked over her shoulder at me and smiled. "Why don't you go clean up? I'll have your supper warmed up when you get back Dean."

"Crystal you didn't have to do this. I'm sorry I worked so late. I forgot you have to drive all the way back to Jackie's. Everything was going so well I just kept on pushing to get done."

Crystal smiled and said, "Don't worry about it. I could have come and got you if I needed to leave. I called Jackie and told her you were still in the field." She looked a little unsure of herself for a moment then continued, "I told her if you didn't mind I would just sleep here on the couch tonight since it is so late? I really hate to wake the kids up and everything."

"Well I do mind Crystal. I was thoughtless and I don't want you sleeping on my couch tonight."

I stopped when I saw the shocked look on Crystal's face. "OH SHIT! Crystal I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant I was sorry I worked so late and I wanted you to sleep in my guest room instead of the couch. There's no reason for you to sleep on the couch when you can use the bed. Oh, I bet you put your kids in there didn't you?"

Crystal almost whispered, "No. They all wanted to sleep with your two so I put Tim in bed with Howard and Sissy with Stacy. That's ok isn't it?"

I grinned and took a step toward Crystal then stopped. "Yeah that's fine Crystal. I'm sorry I said what I did earlier. It's fine if you stay here tonight and any other nights I get a wild hair and work too late again." I turned and walked to my Master Bath to clean up.

When I came back to the kitchen I found Crystal dishing up one of my favorite meals. She had made a meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and whole kernel corn. It looked wonderful and tasted even better. Of course a two day old road kill skunk would have been good about then. I hadn't eaten anything since a sandwich at lunch.

The weeks flew past. My work was going better than it had in years. Crystal became almost indispensable. She seemed to almost take over the house and yard. She even began caring for the chickens and doing some of the work around the hog pen. I lost track of how many trips she made into town for me to get parts or seed or something. She was more help than any of my wives had been and two of them had grown up on a farm. Many nights I worked late she and the kids would sleep over. After they began staying so often I suggested she leave some of their clothes at the house so they would have them if they needed them.




Three Strikes And A Home Run



On the fourth of July I had declared a holiday for the family. I was caught up enough I decided not to work and invited Crystal and her kids, Jackie and her husband Edward to my home for a large meal and swimming in the stream. After the meal of BBQ Brisket, fried chicken and all the trimmings I watched the happy faces for a while as the women cleaned up. I had tried to help and was roughly run off. The two sisters were laughing and giggling as they worked. Ed was buried under a pile of kids.

I wandered off and sat beside the stream. I watched the slow flow of water through the swimming hole at the Edge of the yard. I listened to the kids laughing as they played with Ed and the occasional laugh from the women. I could hear an occasional explosion as a neighbor set off a firework.

I felt my stomach clench as my mind wandered back over my past life. What I was hearing this hot July day was what I had dreamed of throughout my three previous marriages. I had two wonderful kids and some friends but I didn't have anyone to share it with. I was alone still and was getting too old to have much hope of finding that nugget of gold other men had. Terri, the girl I had grown up with, the tomboy from the next farm over had shit on me almost from the first. We hadn't much more than moved to the big city when she took on city ways and began going out with female friends then ended up cheating on me with one of the officers I worked with.

Then came beautiful bubbly kind Suzie, a teacher from the local school I met at the café in town. God how I had loved that woman. She was citified but loved it here in the country—at least until she found out what a farmer's wife had to put up with. The late nights, dust and dirt, the greasy clothes and foregoing nights in town on the weekend finally got to her. From the first, in spite of her stated love for children she resented being tied down with my work and our kids.

Suzie began to spend more time with her school duties and then volunteered to be chaperone on the cheerleader's bus on away games. Then I found out she began driving herself to the games and afterward she and the head coach would stay in town and party for a while before coming home.

When I had caught on they were cheating on me and kicked her to the curb she laughed and said, "Well at least now I can get back to the good life. I did love you at one time Dean but no real woman can take this kind of life year in and year out. I'm so sorry but I just have to have more than sitting on the patio at night too damn tired to even go to bed.

She was awarded primary custody of the children in the divorce and tried to get some of the value of the farm. She was royally pissed when she found out mom still owned the farm and everything on it. I was being paid a wage for working the farm. To Suzie's horror she found it was a little less than hers so there wouldn't even be any support coming to her. I did get hit pretty hard with child support however.

Less than a year after we divorced I found out that Suzie planned to take the children to Japan. She and her new lover had obtained jobs with the Department of Defense School system to teach there. I refused to allow her to take the children out of the country. We ended up in court again but I won on that one. She was forbidden to take the children out of the state. To my surprise she then gave me full custody. When I told her how surprised I was she said, "What you did to me and the kids isn't right Dean. A child should be with its mother but I can't pass up this opportunity to see some of the world because you are a selfish prig. You have the children now. You can see how hard it is to have a life and a job and take care of them for a while." She smiled at me and hugged the kids one more time then she and her new asshole left.

Patty, my third wife was not so much of a surprise when she cheated on me. I should never have married her but I have to admit I was lonesome and desperate. We had hit it off pretty well and I ignored her flirting and touching with her fellow officers at the Sheriff's Department. I had met her at Jackie's and we hit it off enough we dated. We had a lot in common too. I had been a police officer for two years before I got canned when my first marriage broke up and she worked in dispatching for the sheriff. We knew some of the same people and she had grown up on a large farm in Iowa. I remembered how we joked around when I worked enforcement. I ignored her actions until I went to see her one day. I found her in her car with another Deputy. They were on their lunch break and she was eating his hot dog. Damn, another brush with the law for cold cocking a law dog.

At least he hadn't pressed charges and I didn't have a job to lose that time.

I continued to sit and stare across my fields while I slumped in dejection. Damn dust and bright lights had my eyes watering again. I hated that. I felt a presence nearby and turned my head. Crystal was standing about ten feet behind me. She saw my face and frowned. She walked up and plopped down on the ground beside me where she could look in my face.

"What's wrong Dean?" She looked at me a moment and leaned toward me. Before I knew what she was doing I felt her fingers wipe the water off my face.

"Nothing. Just setting here listening to the happy sounds and thinking."

"Whatcha thinkin' about?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just trippin' down memory lane I suppose. The kids sound so happy and it's sort of peaceful here. I was just enjoying the day."

"BULLSHIT. You can't shit a shitter here Dean. From the look of your face those weren't happy tears I wiped off your cheek. Now tell me what's wrong."

I kept telling Crystal nothing was wrong until she did something I never expected. She hit me with her fist and began crying. "DAMMIT Dean. I've worked for you now for four months. I've been with you part of almost every day and I know something's wrong today. I'm pretty sure it's not something Jackie or the kids or I have done because you usually tell us and you usually don't cry when you do. And don't try to feed me the old allergy or sunlight trick either. You've never had trouble with allergies and you know it and the wind isn't blowing enough to blow something into your eye."

I finally sighed and said, "Ok Crystal. I suppose I was feeling sorry for myself. I'm a damn loser and it hurts. I was listening to the kids laughing and playing with Ed and you girls were laughing in the kitchen and I was here all alone ok? I've been married three times and each time I chose a cheating bitch and I realized I'll never find or have a good woman for a wife ok? I'm a loser."

Crystal looked at me in shock then she slapped me. Before I could do much more than raise my hand to feel my burning cheek she began yelling at me. "You damn asshole. You know damn good and well there's nothing wrong with you. Well maybe there is. You're too damn gullible and you don't look at what a woman really is before you marry her. Then you're too damn trusting. NO, I don't mean that, I mean then they betray your trust and you think there's something wrong with you? Crap, the only thing wrong with you is you don't do your research before you let your heart or your dick get you into something you should run away from.

I'm the one who has a problem. What man wants a two time loser woman with two rug rats? I'm a millstone waiting to attach to a man and drag them down. They don't want anything to do with me. No man wants a readymade family that will suck all his income from him. If I can admit that to myself and be happy why can't you be happy with what you have?

Dean you have two wonderful children, work you love and friends that would do anything for you. Dean you have it all and sometime you will find the right woman if you just keep your eyes open." Crystal stood and started toward the house then stopped. "Oh," she said. "I forgot. I came down here to tell you the kids are ready for cake and ice cream. That is if you can get your head out of your ass and come up to the house."

I sat a moment staring at Crystal as she walked rapidly back to the house. Finally I got up and followed her. When I got to the kitchen I saw Ed sitting at the table looking toward the living room with a quizzical expression on his face. Ed turned to me and said, "What the hell went on out there? I've never seen Crystal that pissed off."

"I guess I pissed her off. I was feeling sorry for myself and we had a talk. I don't think she liked some of the things I said."

About that time Jackie came back into the kitchen and glared at me. She shook her head and said, "Dean sometimes I think you're about the dumbest man on the face of the earth." She then turned and began cutting cake and putting it and ice cream in dishes for everyone.

It was quiet while everyone ate their cake and ice cream. After that mess was cleaned up everyone went outside once more into the cooler dusk. We sat beside the stream and watched the kids swim and splash in the water while the adults visited. Occasionally we could see fireworks in the sky from nearby houses and way in the distance we saw the display from Steelville.

Finally about ten p.m. Ed and Jackie decided they needed to get home. They had to work the next day. Crystal rounded up her children and they all piled into Ed's SUV for the drive back. My children and I stood watching until they turned onto the highway then we went inside for their baths and bed.

This was another night I had trouble getting to sleep. I kept thinking about my past life and what Crystal had said at the creek. Maybe she was right but dammit she couldn't be could she? Hell I know she was wrong. Hell, I had known Terri almost all my life. How could I have foreseen what she would do? 

Suzie had been a Teacher and went to church every Sunday. Who would have thought she would be a cheater? I had known her for months before we even began dating. We had dated for almost a year before we got married. I thought I knew her for sure.

Crystal might have been right about Patty. We had only known and dated each other for nine months before I married her but hell; she worked enforcement and had grown up on a farm. I knew what kind of character those jobs required didn't I? What was I doing wrong? What was Crystal trying to tell me?

To my surprise I was still asleep the next morning when Crystal and her children arrived. I hadn't expected her so early because all I was doing that day was making hay. Hell I couldn't start until the dew was off the grass and that was usually about ten a.m.

Boy I sure came awake with a start when four children slammed through the bedroom door and hit the side of the bed. It was after 7 a.m. Stacy smiled and said, "Come on Daddy. Crystal's making breakfast and she says you gotta come now or it'll get cold. She's making your favorite omelets and she's even making us kid's pecan oatmeal waffles."

Sissy said, "Yeah Mr. Thomas. Come on we gotta eat now." She started to pull the covers off me and I grabbed the sheet.

"NO. Don't do that Sissy," I said. When Tim and Howard saw what she was doing they grabbed the sheet too and pulled. The three were too much for me since I didn't have a good grip on the material. The sheet pulled from over me and fell onto the floor beside the bed. I was bending over reaching for it when I heard steps in the hallway.

Crystal came through the door into my room and said, "Hey, what's the holdup here. I need you to get into the kitchen right now or the food will be cold."

She looked up then and stopped in shock. I was just pulling the cover back over me when I saw her blush. Little Tim just made things worse. "Mommy why is Mr. Thomas naked? You won't let me sleep naked why does he?"

Crystal's blush deepened and she turned away from me. "You kids get out of Mr. Thomas' room now. I'm sure he'll be along shortly."

When I got to the kitchen Crystal was having a hard time with Tim. I stood listening to her explanation of my sleeping attire or lack thereof. "Tim sometimes grownups choose to do things that aren't right for children. They uh. Well Tim its Mr. Thomas's house so he can sleep like that if he wants to."

"You mean I can sleep naked in our house now? That's sooo cool. Hey Sissy we can sleep naked now in our house."

"NO! That's not what I mean Tim. I mean sometimes adults"

I walked into the room and sat at my place. I looked at Tim and said, "Let me help with this one Crystal. Look Tim sometimes adults choose to do things that" I saw Crystal glaring at me and changed my thought. I continued, "Well Tim I guess it's sort of a comfort thing and a privacy thing but mostly I think it's an adult thing. Grownups don't have to worry about being seen in the privacy of their rooms naked and sometimes it's better for them if they sleep naked. When you get older I'm sure you can figure out things like this but right now you need to do what your mother says because she knows when it is ok to do things and when it isn't. You see in the privacy of your own room sometimes it's ok to do things it's not ok to do otherwise."

"So if I'm in my room all alone I can be naked too?"

"No Tim. You have to do what your mother says and you see sometimes an adult has to go check on you so you shouldn't be naked when they could see."

"But mommy sees me naked all the time. Why can she see me naked in the bath tub and when I'm dressing and not when I'm sleeping?"

"Well Tim because she has to help you do those things but she doesn't have to help you sleep. You can sleep all alone and you need to be dressed then in your PJ's."

"So it's ok for a grown up to sleep naked because no one will see them then?"

"Well sort of Tim. It's the grown up's choice. No one should be naked where others can see them if they or the others might be offended or if you're in public. You see I was in my bed alone and no one could see me. I was covered properly so there was no problem then you kids came in and pulled the covers from me. That was what was wrong with it. That was sort of like you were in town and someone tried to undress you. That would be wrong wouldn't it?"

Tim smiled and nodded his head. "So it was like we undressed you then Mr. Thomas. I'm sorry we did that. But if covers are sort of like clothes then why can't I go to bed naked and cover up?"

Crystal was smiling at me trying her hardest not to laugh. Finally she said, "Ok Tim. That's enough. You just have to realize its Mr. Thomas's bedroom and his house and he can do what he wants in it. He's a grown up and if he wanted to sleep naked or in a suit he is allowed to do that. You can't do that because I'm your mother and I say I don't want you to ok?"

"OK Mommie but I sure would like to sleep naked."

After breakfast I wandered out to the patio and drank my coffee. After she had cleaned up Crystal came out with her cup and sat beside me on the swing. I looked at her. She had a smirk on her face. "Damn Crystal. I'm sorry I caused that. Tim sure has a one track mind doesn't he?"

"Well Dean he is a little man you know and I've never known a one of you who doesn't want to get naked every chance he gets. Thank you though for trying to help."

Crystal and I had another cup of coffee then I decided it was dry enough to get to work. Things went well and I stopped early for a change. I was able to send Crystal and the kid's home early. For some reason Crystal seemed upset when I told her to go on and let me clean up the kitchen.

Finally it was time for Crystal's final hearing on her divorce. Her husband had been dragging his feet now for a little over four months. I arranged my work so I could watch all four of the children. We decided to go to town and buy some supplies while she was in court. I needed some filters and other parts for my equipment so one of the stops was the implement dealer.

The parts clerk smiled when I walked in and said, "Hello Dean. We haven't seen you in here for a while. Where's that pretty wife of yours today?"

I felt a cold shock rush through me and I suppose my face showed it. The clerk said, "Oh, touchy subject huh? Sorry. I'm just so used to seeing her in for parts for you now. Well tell her I said hello when you get home."

"I don't have a wife any more. We've been divorced now for almost a year."

"What? You're divorced and she's still running all over for parts for you? Man how did you convince her to do that?"

Now I was confused. I knew Patty had never come in for parts for me. I finally got my brain working and said, "Oh, you mean Crystal. That's not my wife. She just helps with the kids and runs errands for me sometime. She's over at the courthouse today trying to get a divorce from her cheating husband. Sorry for the mix-up."

"You're kidding right? Man the way that woman talks about you...Shit I wish my woman talked as good about me as she does you. Now, what'll it be today?"

I'm glad this was my last stop. I couldn't think about anything except what old man Scoggins had said at the parts counter. What had Crystal been saying about me anyway?"

Crystal and I got back to my place about the same time. When she came into the house she looked very upset. I looked at her and asked, "Well how did it go today. Is it over?"

Crystal's face screwed up and she began to bawl. She said, "Yes. NO. The judge granted the divorce but he held child support open pending a DNA test on the kids. That Asshole claims they aren't his kids and is trying to get out of paying child support. How could he think that? He was the one cheating. When did I ever have the time even if I had wanted to?"

Crystal collapsed onto the couch beside me. I didn't even think. I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her to my chest. I was stroking her beautiful hair when all four children came into the room. Sissy asked what was wrong and tried to hug her mother.

I said, "Kids your mother is sad because your father said some bad things to her today. Why don't you go on and play in your room while I talk to her and make her feel better?"

Crystal looked up at me and tried to smile. I felt her hand caress my chest as she wrapped her arm around me. She lay there and silently cried for several minutes. I just held her and gently stroked her in a calming manner. Her sobs slowed and stopped. I looked down and she was breathing gently, slowly. She had drifted off to sleep resting against my chest. Damn, what was I going to do now?

I just sat holding Crystal while she slept. Finally almost thirty minutes after she had fallen asleep Crystal moaned and moved. I looked down in time to see her eyes pop open. She gasped and rapidly sat upright. She looked at me in shock and blushed. I grinned to myself when I saw the little indentations in her blouse from her hard nipples. "Oh, I'm sorry Dean," she said. "Why did you let me go to sleep on you?

"No problem Crystal. You obviously needed the rest and I really didn't mind. I didn't have anything better to do than hold a friend and help her feel better."

"Really? Well thank you anyway. I suppose I had better get supper on now. It's going to be late as it is." Crystal started for the kitchen then turned back to me and said, "Dean would you mind if we spent the night tonight? I really don't feel like driving to Jackie's after supper."

"No problem. Crystal you really don't have to ask if you can spend the night. I enjoy having you. In fact after school starts I think you should spend the week nights here anyway so Tim can go to Kindergarten down here. That way you can keep working and not have to make arrangements for him to stay at Jackie's or go pick him up every day and take him in. We'll just tell the school you live here and they will enroll him as a resident student."

"Dean are you asking me to move in with you?"

"Uh, well not exactly. I mean you should just stay here to make it easier on you and the kids. I don't mean you have to sleep with me or anything like that. We can just go on like we are now and."




Three Strikes And A Home Run



"Oh. I guess we can do that. You wouldn't really mind? I mean I feel like we're putting you out now and if we stay even more it just wouldn't be right. I think you need to start paying me less to make up for us staying here with you more."

Over the course of the next three weeks Crystal moved all her and the kids belongings to my house. A time or two Jackie helped her and I caught her smirking at me. Hummm. I wonder what that's all about.

Finally just before school started the DNA tests came back showing Frank was the father of Crystal's children. The court made the child support award but they didn't award any alimony. It seemed what I was paying Crystal was close enough to what Frank earned that none was authorized. Even the child support was a pittance though. Crystal got $25.00 per week per child.

After she moved in Crystal began doing even more around the place. She completely took over caring for the house, yard and chickens. In season she even did the garden work. She did all the light work with the hog operation also and helped me with the cattle. I was beginning to wonder how I ever managed to keep up doing it all by myself. Occasionally I would smile and realize I hadn't been keeping up. Now I was managing to do some of the lower priority repairs and even managed to do some cosmetic work on the house and outbuildings. I'll be damned if she didn't spend a lot of her time helping me do that also. Crap, we even had fun doing it. She was a pleasure to work with or just be around.

One of the neighbor boys went into the service and I bought his ten year old truck. I couldn't find anything wrong with it and I wanted a more reliable second vehicle than Crystal's old Junker. When I had her go with me to pick it up she went willingly. I had her drive it home for me. After we got it home I refused to take the keys when she offered them to me. I said, "No Crystal. You keep them and put the spare set on the key board. I want you to drive the new truck or mine from now on when you leave the place. I don't want to take a chance your old Junker will crap out on you somewhere."

Damn, just like a woman. Crystal stared at me for a minute then she broke out in tears and ran to her bedroom.

That fall we had a large Thanksgiving and Christmas right there in my old farmhouse. I didn't have any relatives living in the area but Crystal still had a brother and her sister Jackie. They and their families all came down and we had a great time. All the kids screaming and running around made the holiday so special. Oh, my, how those women could cook too. I made myself sick both days eating their good cooking.

We even had a little New Year's party on New Year's Eve. After our guests left Crystal poured us each a final glass of Port and sat with me in the dark den watching the Christmas tree lights flickering.

Crystal had leaned against me and rested her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. We were relaxing and enjoying each other's company when I felt her shaking. I looked down and she was crying silently.

"Shhhhh. What's the matter honey," I asked.

"What's wrong with me Dean? Why do you just treat me like one of the guys all the time? What did I do to make you not like me? I'm not easy Dean. Was it what happened the night of my divorce hearing? I mean I could understand you not making a move on me while I was still married but what's wrong with me now? Why don't you want me now?"

Crap I though. Where did this all come from? "Crystal I thought we were getting along great. There's NOTHING wrong with you. Hell, I know you've seen me when I let my needs show but I won't do that to you. Crystal I like you better than any woman I know. You are a great help here on the place and I just love being with you all I can. I know you have my back and will help all you possibly can. How am I supposed to treat you? Crap, I think you're my best friend in the world. I just wish I had met you when I was younger before my life got so screwed up. You're a much better woman than those three I was married to. There's not a thing wrong with you."

I felt my stomach clench and a great feat gripped my heart. Crap, she wasn't going there was she? If she was could I put myself through that again? Shit, we needed to talk big time. "Uh Crystal if you're going where I think you are I, uh. I don't know if that is a good idea at all. I admit I have thought about you a lot in that way but I just don't know if I can make myself do that again. I'm a loser and every time"

Crystal jerked away from me and looked angrily at me. "Damn It Dean are you trying to say you think I'm a skank like those three you married and had to divorce? Is that it? I'm a double divorcee and I'm not good enough for you. Haven't I shown you what kind of person I am? Dammit I've been living with you for almost two years now. Our kids think we're a family. Hell, we've been married in every way except for the ceremony and sleeping together. Damn it you even put my name on your checking accounts so I could buy things for you. If you didn't trust me why did you do that? Don't you love me? Is that it?"

"No. I...I think." I took a deep breath and continued, "I think I do love you but I just couldn't take that kind of pain again if we broke up. I just couldn't and I couldn't put my children through that either."

"What about me Dean? Don't you think I'm afraid of being hurt again too? Don't you think I want to protect my children from the pain a separation would bring? How about now? Don't you think our children would be devastated if we separated now? It would kill me and I know it would kill you too. All I'm asking is that I be allowed to show my love for you physically.

Damn it Dean if you won't marry me fine. I'll just live in sin with you. Hell everyone in town thinks I am doing it now anyway so why not?"

"Crystal I can't think about this anymore tonight. I need to get some sleep. I'm sorry." I stood and left Crystal sitting on the couch crying silently. I thought this was a hell of a way to fuck up a nice holiday season. I had pissed off the best thing that had ever happened to me or my kids and now I was probably going to lose her. Shit.

I couldn't sleep. I heard Crystal clanging around in the kitchen for quite a while after I had gone to bed then finally the lights went out. It was nearly four a.m. when I finally gave up and got out of bed. I wandered out into the dark house. I had managed to doze for a few minutes from time to time but had not gotten any sleep. The kids would be up in two or three hours and another day, another year would start. What would it bring?

I had another glass of the Glenlivet while I stared out the back window. I heard a noise behind me and turned to see Crystal standing staring at me. She gave me a wan smile and said, "I guess I fucked up tonight didn't I? Do you want me to find somewhere else to stay? I'm sorry I said those things to you Dean."

I don't know what happened at that time. I felt empty and scared when Crystal asked if I wanted her to leave. The way she was standing there just behind me in the moonlight was so pitiful. I didn't even realize I had moved. I wrapped her in my arms and pulled her to my body. We met in really our first kiss that had any meaning. Well, not really, we had both given each other kisses in the past but more as friends than anything. This was a lover's kiss. Crystal moaned and plastered her body to mine.

I pulled back and looked down into Crystal's face. "No," I whispered. "The last thing I want is for you to leave. I would be so lost without you here. If you left us I don't think I could go on. You would tear my heart completely out if you left me. The others just broke it. You would take it with you and I would die."

"What"

I kissed Crystal again and felt her collapse. I had to hold her up. I scooped her up and carried her into her bedroom. Well, damn it was closer than mine was. I didn't even close the door. I placed her on the bed and crawled in beside her. When I had gotten up I had put on a pair of boxer shorts. Now my cock was sticking out the fly and hard as a steel bar. Crystal smiled up at me and then looked down at my cock. She reached out and gently took hold of it. She pulled me toward her with the other hand. "Please Dean. Just love me right now. That's all I need, all I want. I just want you in me now please. We can do the other later. Please?"

I rolled to the side and struggled to remove my boxers. Crystal moaned and sat up. She took off her T-shirt in one smooth move and lay back onto the bed. I crawled over Crystal and nestled between her splayed legs. My cock nudged against her thigh then notched into her dripping hole as I moved forward more. I pressed downward as Crystal tilted her hips. I sank about an inch into her hot, wet love canal. She whimpered and I groaned. I thrust deeper and then slowly sank into her hot box until our pubic bones were smashed together.

We rocked, we moaned, we thrashed and banged against each other as we pleasured each other. We went over the edge together. Crystal screamed loudly enough to wake the dead and I groaned. We strained tightly against each other as our orgasms flowed through our tired bodies.

Crystal bit her lower lip as she stared up at me. Her eyes sparkled. Hell, even a blind man could see the love in them. I had been so blind, so scared. I was still scared but now I was scared I would fuck up and let this wonderful person get away from me.

I didn't think about my next move. I pulled away from Crystal almost violently and jumped from the bed. She looked scared. "Dean what is it," she asked fearfully.

"Wait," I replied as I ran from her room. I almost ran down the hallway, across the living area and into my bedroom. I was rummaging through the jewelry in a bowl in my top dresser drawer when Crystal came up beside me. We had neither one taken the time to put our clothes on after I jumped from her bed.

There it was. Finally. I turned to Crystal. She was standing beside me, legs slightly spread. I could see my sperm running down her right thigh. She had tears once more running down her cheeks. I grabbed her left hand and raised it. "I found it Crystal. I want you to have it. It was my mother's. Would you marry me Crystal? Please? I'm sure. Crystal there's NOTHING wrong with you. It was wrong with me. I was scared and still feeling sorry for myself. You woke me up. I know this is right."

Crystal smiled. No, she glowed. She pushed her left hand slightly toward the ring I was holding and nodded her head yes as she whispered the same word.

I placed my mother's engagement ring on Crystal's finger. We kissed and turned toward my bed. After we were in bed I felt her gently pull the covers over us. Crystal giggled and said, "Well, at least this way I won't have to sleep in the wet spot." She giggled again and gave me a gentle kiss. "Good night Honey."

"Daddy. Daddy we can't find Crystal. She's not in her room or the kitchen. Do you know where she is?" I heard a herd of elephants stampeding across the den toward my bedroom. Crap. The door was wide open and Crystal was still in my bed. I looked over to see her breasts shining in the morning light, the sheet barely covering her bare ass. I started to cover her better when the herd stampeded through my open door.

All four kids stopped and stared at Crystal and me. The noise had awakened her too and she was pulling the covers up. She was blushing too. God she was beautiful.

Naturally it would be Tim who did it again. "Mommie why are you in bed with Mr. Thomas naked," he asked.

I couldn't help it. I broke out in a loud laugh. Crystal stared daggers at me and blushed even deeper. I moved until I rested on the headboard of the bed and scooted over next to Crystal. I patted the edge of the bed and said, "Why don't you kids sit here for a minute. Your mother and I need to talk to you.

Kids last night your mother finally made me realize I had my head stuck up my...I mean last night your mother and I decided to get married. She will be all your mother now and I will be your daddy. Is that ok?"

Stacy looked at the others and broke out in a big smile. She nodded her head yes but Tim said, "I thought she was our mother and you were our daddy. This isn't going to change that is it? But why did mom sleep here last night instead of in her own room? And why is she sleeping naked? She doesn't usually sleep naked. She said we weren't supposed to sleep naked."

Crystal was giggling in spite of herself. I looked over at her and pulled Timmie into a hug. "Timmie when a man and woman love each other like your mother and I do they sleep together. We sleep together naked so we can be closer to each other and love each other better. That's why you kids shouldn't just come into our bedroom without knocking and asking if you can. You wouldn't want to see your mother naked and upset her would you? That would really hurt her feelings if you did and you don't want to do that do you?"

Timmie shook his head no. Stacy was watching us and grinning. She said, "I'm glad Crystal is going to be our new mother. We all love you both so much. When are you going to get married?"

Crystal smiled and said, "We don't know yet Stacy. Soon I hope but we have a lot to do first.

All the younger kids had climbed onto the bed farther and were crawling over Crystal and me. The phone rang and Stacy picked it up. "Hello. Yes. I don't know. Guess what Aunt Jackie. Daddy and Crystal are going to get married."

I heard a shriek and tried to get the phone away from Stacy. She moved away and said, "Ok. Unh huh. Ok, see ya." She hung the phone up.

I said, "Stacy you shouldn't have told Aunt Jackie that."

"Why Daddy. Was it supposed to be a secret?"

"No but your mother probably wanted to tell her the news herself."

I felt Crystal shaking beside me and turned to look at her as Stacy said, "Oh. I'm sorry mom."

Crystal began crying harder and I pulled her to me. "What's wrong Honey," I asked.

She shook her head no and said, "Nothing. Nothing at all. You called me her mother. She called me mom."

I sent the kids into the den to watch cartoons while I pulled Crystal into my arms. I was kissing her gently and stroking her as she cried herself out. I heard gravel sliding and a car door slam. Our back door flew open and I heard steps stomping across the floor. I heard voices in the den then running steps came toward our bedroom. I was watching the door when Jackie came storming through in her full Sheriff suit.

She stopped halfway to the bed and stared at me cuddling her sister. Crystal's beautiful breasts were uncovered and pressed against my chest. Jackie put her hands on her hips and said, "Well it's about time you idiot. I was sure getting tired of listening to Crystal cry and moan about you ignoring her. I was about to shoot you and put you out of her misery."

Jackie sat on the edge of the bed and said, "Now, tell me all about it and hurry. I have to get back on patrol. How did you get the damn big lug to break down Crystal?"

I looked at Jackie and said, "Uh Jackie could you maybe just go into the den for a minute or two? I need to get dressed and start some coffee. It doesn't look like I'll be getting any more sleep for a while."

Jackie stood and went out the door. I had just got out of bed when she stuck her head back in. "I'll make the coffee but you hurry." She glanced down at my still hard cock and grinned. "Ohhhh, Nice one Sis. Don't let him get away."

"Jackie!" Crystal screamed. I just turned and ran for the bathroom and my clothes.

Well, we married on Valentine's Day. We worked and lived just like we had before except now Crystal slept with me and we loved each other physically and in every other way. Late that fall Crystal came to me and told me we were going to have a child. I had promised her one of our own and considering our ages we decided to have it as soon as possible.

The young one just started kindergarten and Crystal is crying. Her baby started school and she feels old. I pulled her down the driveway toward the house. "Honey think about it. There are no kids here. The work is caught up for a day or two. Whatever are we going to do with ourselves," I asked as I rolled her nipple between my thumb and index finger. 

Crystal stopped and pulled me to her as she moaned. "I dunno. I bet I can think of something though." She pulled back from my embrace slightly and looked me in the face. Her hand came up and cupped my cheek as she whispered, "Oh, Dean I love you so much."

Yep, I had three strikes against me in the game of life but I hit a home run at my next time at bat. It took two very special ladies to make me wake up and realize I had been going for fluff instead of substance and how to tell the difference.



Three Strikes and You're Out



If you are looking for sexual content, look elsewhere.  This story is based on a values oriented life.

I think I am in love. Well, as much as a high school Senior, after seeing the prettiest girl in the school. It was the first time I'd seen her and she was walking towards me; then passes me by without even noticing. This girl must be a new transfer. Oh well, just my luck, I thought. Today was the first day of school and the hallway was busy as students moved to their lockers and their classrooms. I headed to my homeroom and greeted several students and playfully beat on the back of George, my best friend. 

"Hey Spence, how you been?"

"Not so good now that school's back in session." I grinned. "Summer vacation ended too soon. What did you do all summer; drown some folks at the pool?"

He held up three fingers and chuckled. "Yeah, I held them under till they hollered 'Uncle'." George was a trained lifeguard, a good one, and the city pool had hired him three years ago. "How did your job go this summer? Wreck any trucks?"

George was referring to my job at my dad's trucking business. I unloaded the trailers as they came into the lot and washed them down after they were empty. Dad allowed me to use one of the truck tractors to move the empty trailers around. When I'd first started working for dad, over 4 years ago, I'd wrecked one. Dad wasn't any too pleased and ever since then, George keeps bringing up the sorry incident. "Naw, no accidents this year, but I keep trying. Practice makes perfect. Say, do you know who that new chick is?" 

"What new chick?"

"She walked down the hallway just before I came in here. She's about 5'8", same build as Christy and has very light brown, almost blond hair. Anyway, she's cute. Just wondering if you knew whether she was in our class or one of the others?"

"Can't help you. I've not seen her."

The teacher came in and we had to take our seats as class started. Except for the morning homeroom study hall, my day would be filled with classes. You know the usual like English Lit., algebra II, physics, lunch, physical ed., history, and psychology. After each one, I moved to the next, keeping look for this new girl. I didn't know who she was but anyone new at school was always of special interest. And boy was she good looking. 

I saw her next when she walked into Mr. Buchanan's physics class and sat down in the row beside me. The other guys in the room stared as she walked in. I think she knew the attention she was attracting but ignored it all. Christy, a gal George liked and who was in our youth group, was chatting with her. Mr. Buchanan asked us to all take our seats then he went through the normal books, labs, syllabus, homework and tests routine. This course was going to require teamwork, so we would work with partners. 

He had assigned the groups already and I had been grouped with Christy and Patti. I knew Christy, but who was Patti? I looked around the room. Everyone, I knew except the chick in the next row. Hot dog, maybe my luck just changed. Labs were on Tuesday and Thursday and we were to report directly to the lab room. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday would be lectures, reading assignments, quizzes and tests in the main lecture hall.

The bell rang Christy and the new gal left together, and I headed to my next class. I hoped to see Patti again, but that didn't happen. After the end of the day, I met George on the way to my car.

"You find out who that new girl is?" he asked.

"Some. Her name's Patti and she's in Buchanan's physics class with me. That is about all. I've been grouped with her and Christy in the lab. So tomorrow I should find out more. You heard anything?"

"You and Christy are in the same lab group? I wish it were me. Anyway, I met Christy in the hall just before 6th period. She told me this new gal, Patti; her dad is the CEO for the power company. Guess he is some mucky muck with the corporation and they moved him from Chicago to down here to take over the operations. They have a house over in that new part of town."

I whistled. "She not only good looking, she's also rich. I'm thinking about asking her out to a ball game. Probably not much luck, but I'll give it a try."

"Spence, come on, there is no way you'll have a chance. Her folks are the cream of society and you are..., well you're just Spencer. She won't even give you the time of day."

"Old Buchanan did put us together in physics lab. Maybe..."

"You're dreaming, Get real Spence. Wanna make a bet? You get three strikes to get a date. If you don't get one, then you're out. I'm betting that you'll fan the air and go down swinging. Ten bucks, what do you say?"

"No way. You're on. It's worth ten bucks. She is mighty good looking."

We pal-ed around for a while longer before I headed home. Tomorrow in lab I'd get to know her. A guy can dream can't he? 

Mom was in the kitchen as I walked in the door. We talked for a bit before I headed off to do my homework. "Don't forget you promised to help your dad unload trucks on Saturday." she called out as I got to my room.

I had forgotten. When school had started dad and I agreed I'd unload between 8 and noon on Saturdays. The trucks came into the dock earlier but with school I would help in the mornings. "Thanks mom."

Next day I looked for Patti in the halls but didn't see her till lab. She came in with Christy and the two of them pretty much ignored me after the introductions. We were handed our equipment for the class and put it in our group's locked drawer. We each had keys and picked up the exercise sheet with the first experiment. Neither of the girls knew what to do so I ended up showing them how to do the entire lesson. 

You could say I'm pretty good with technical stuff, but this class wasn't to their liking. To graduate you needed 2 science courses. Most of the students didn't much care for science so they procrastinated till their senior year, meaning they took physics and chemistry. As for me, I enjoyed science and was taking this course because I liked it.

A week later the girls realized, if they were to pass physics, they needed my help. Instead of ignoring me now, Christy was asking for help and Patti listened. Me, I'm thinking if I'm to ever get a date with Patti, I need to get her to talk. So I developed this routine in the lab, Patti's was to set up the experiments, Christy drew the diagrams and I wrote out the formulas. As I anticipated Patti didn't know what to do, so she had to ask. By the end of the second week she was talking to me; at least about physics. 

Three weeks into the school year I mustered up the courage to ask Patti to go to the ball game on Friday. Christy rolled her eyes when I asked. Patti smiled and said she was going with Barry now, showing his class ring on her finger. 

Ouch, strike one. Boy I really fanned the air on that one, I thought.

After school I told George all the gory details. "See I told you so. She's already going steady. She's way out of your league, man. That's you're first strike, are you even going to give up?"

"I'll bide my time." I answered. 

Back at home, "Hey mom, is dad home yet?" I asked.

"He called and said to not wait up for supper. He's got some important meeting with a customer and will be home afterwards. He's got a problem with scheduling again. How is school going?

"My classes are going okay, I guess. I don't much care for English Lit. Gotta read these dumb stories and then write a report on each one, kind of stupid if you ask me."

"Just do your homework, you'll do alright. You and George been getting into trouble lately?"

Mom knew that George was my best friend and we always were joking around doing stuff together. "Naw, we haven't. But he keeps teasing me about this girl at school. We made a bet that I could get a date with her; he says I can't"

"What girl is that?"

"She's new this year. Christy, her and I have been grouped together in physics lab. I asked her out to the ball game on Friday and she said 'no'. George is ribbing me that this is strike one. He says that I won't get to first base with her and that I'll go down swinging. All the kids at the church youth group will know the whole story by the time he is finished."

"Never mind George, but tell me who she is. If my son wants to date her, I want to know." Mom smiled.

"Her name is Patti and, mom, she's the prettiest girl in school. She really is." 

"Is that all you know about her, that she's pretty?"

"She moved here from Chicago. Her dad is the CEO at the power company and they live over in Meadow Ridge area. Anyway, like George says, I'll strike out soon enough. Mom, let me know when dad gets home, I need to ask him something about one of the trucks at work." I went to my room and began to do homework.

Several weeks came and went. By the middle of October mid-term exams were scheduled. I do okay with tests, and studying doesn't trouble me much. However Christy and Patti were having problems with physics, 'big time'. The week before our test, Christy suggested the three of us get together to study. I was NOT about to turn down a chance like this. This was a golden opportunity to be with Patti. They talked about meeting on Saturday morning but that's when I worked, so the time was moved to the afternoon. I could drive the 50 miles back from Springfield after work and meet them at Christy's place. 

Saturday rolled around and I headed to Christy's house after work. Traffic was heavy so I arrived a bit late. The girls were sitting at the table talking girl talk and quieted when I sat across from them. We began our cramming for physics. Patti was not wearing Barry's ring, she was 'strangely' quiet and appeared reserved. 

We took a break after an hour of studying. I pulled Christy aside and asked "What's up with Patti? Something wrong?"

"She and Barry broke up last night. Guess she is taking it hard."

Maybe I would have a chance with her after all, I thought. Studying resumed and 90 minutes passed before calling it quits for the day. Patti was preparing to call her folks when I volunteered to give her a lift. If she wanted a ride, and I was hoping.

She looked at me for the longest time and in the strangest way, before finally saying okay. We picked up our books and I walked her out to the car. On the way out, Christy whispered in my ear, "Take it easy, Spence, she has been through a lot."

During the drive to her place I'd start a conversation but received 3 word replies. She didn't want to talk. So I produced a steady stream of chatter. Mostly I spoke about my family, my work, our church youth group, etc. It was very one sided. I let her out when we reached her place. She thanked me and walked inside with out looking back.

Our mid-term exam was next week and when the results were known, I had an A- Christy a C+, and Patti a solid D.

For the remainder of the school term, in the labs Christy and I would chat while Patti's attention often wandered. Thanksgiving came and went; now we needed to concentrate on finals which fell just before Christmas vacation. From what I could see at the beginning of December, Patti would likely fail and Christy drop to a D. Neither one of them understood physics; they were trying, but just not understanding. You know the old adage of 'Getting an A for effort'? If that were true, the girls would pass, but unfortunately Old Buchanan handed out grades for academic standards, not effort.

"Mom, can we talk?" I asked.

"Sure, what's up?"

I shared my concerns about Patti and Christy passing physics. I just did not know how to help them understand the material. Mom listened patiently as I expressed what was happening. "Ask them over for a Saturday study session. I can be here to help if you want." She volunteered. "Maybe they just need to hear if from another girl."

Mom had taken physics in college and gotten good marks. Perhaps that's all they needed to learn it from another point of view. "If we invite them over here for the next three Saturdays, would you join us in studying?"

"Not the whole time, but I would be available if you needed help?"

"Great."

The next day at lab, Christy was having an absolute terrible time with the assignment and Patti's eyes seemed glazed over. As we put things away I snapped at them. "Do you two want to pass this class or not?"

Patti jumped and Christy stared.

"Look girls, you need physics to graduate in the spring. At this rate you're both going to fail. Mom said you would be welcome at our place to study. What do you say that for the next three Saturdays we study hard? My mom took college physics and could help."

We discussed this for several minutes, they both agreed. Neither had a car, so I would pick them up coming back from work. Patti was farther out; I would stop by her place first, and then swing past Christy's and head on to my place. This was to be a marathon physics study session and we could use mom as a study resource.

After school let out that day, I told George. "Man, I thought you'd given up trying to get a date. Maybe I could stop by your place then. Christy is kinda cute." He joshed at me.

"Don't you dare, you turkey. This is for studying only." I retorted, giving him a playful shove.

Saturday rolled around and I picked the girls up and headed home. Driving through the subdivisions I apologized for my dirty work clothes. I hadn't time to change. They didn't mind and we arrived in a few minutes. Christy said 'Hi' to mom and I introduced Patti before going to change into clean duds. Returning, I found mom talking, seated with them at the table. When I joined Mom went into the other room and we began. We covered most of the first half of the course material that day. Mom had been listening and would occasionally stop by to explain something. By late afternoon we decided to call it quits and I took them home. Both girls were talkative and seemed in better spirits. Maybe these study sessions would be productive.

Upon returning home, mom stated, "You're right, she is very beautiful and she is a very nice girl. It is easy to see why you like her." Looking at me, "You are blushing, Spence."

"Think I have a chance to ask her out?"

"Maybe. You won't know till you try."

The following Saturday went pretty much like the previous one. I felt encouraged with their progress in physics, however it was while driving Patti home, I determined to take my second swing at the ball. I dropped Christy off then asked Patti out. 

"You're sweet, Spence. But I not interested in dating right now." Politely she declined.

Strike two, I thought.

The next day I shared with George my second attempt and his comment was, "Strike two and nothing but air. Those Ten bucks are getting closer to being mine. Yeah. You get one more strike then you're out. Heh heh."

"Okay, rub it in you turkey. I thought sure she'd say 'yes' this time."

"Like I said, Spence, she is out of your league. You haven't a chance."

The next week at school, Mr. Buchanan gave the class a study sheet as prep for the exam. Both Patti and Christy were now hopeful they could do better. On that final Saturday we had just started as dad came home early. His day had been rather short. I introduced him to the girls and he went to clean up. Our cramming resumed. One concept they were having trouble with, was the different classes of levers. It seemed that no matter how I explained it, they could not grasp it. Mom tried her explanation but this didn't help either.

In desperation Patti blurted out, "I don't see how these are used."

Thinking quickly I offered, "Class one levers would be like a teeter totter. The fulcrum is in the middle, the weight at one end, and force at the other end. Class two levers are like a wheelbarrow. The wheel is the fulcrum, the load in the middle and force on the handles."

"What about a class three lever." asked Christy? "What example do you have?"

"Your arm," I replied. I reached out and took Patti's arm, showing the fulcrum at the elbow, the weight would be in the hand, and the force is worked by the muscle attached to the bone."

I could see the lights 'turn on' in their eyes as they finally grasped this concept. What they had only seen as theory before, was now something that they could visualize. From this point, our studying went like a breeze. If we covered something they didn't grasp, mom or I would present a common every day usage for it. I think they were actually enjoying this. We exceeded our original time limit and mom suggested they stay for supper, if they could. Both called their homes and were given the okay. 

Mom decided to fixed spaghetti and Christy went to help in the kitchen. Patti and I picked up our study books and papers from off the table. "Spence, thanks loads for all this help." She says as she places her hand on my arm. "You've been simply marvelous, helping us like this. Thank you very much."

The table was set, the food served and we sat around the table talking as we ate. Mom engaged Patti in conversation and Dad talked to Christy. Me, I just sat there listening. Everyone had a good time. 

After supper I drove the girls home, and both were appreciative. "You have neat parents, Spence." Said Christy.

"Yeah," said Patti. "I like your mom, she's cool."

Arriving back home Dad and Mom were sitting in the living room when I walked in. Hey Spence," said Dad. "You don't have a girlfriend, why don't you date Christy. She seems like a nice girl."

"Dad, since when have you gotten involved in my social life?" I teased. "Besides George likes her."

"Spencer likes Patti," commented Mom.

"Mom" I say in exasperation.

"Well you do. And she is a nice girl."

"Will you two please drop the subject?"

"She is pretty. Do you like her?" Asks Dad.

"Yes, Dad, I like her." I say feigning anger. "Can we please talk about something else?"

They chuckle at me and I find a seat. We talk about other things as the evening wears on. Before long we head to bed, tomorrow is Church. As I am going to sleep, I'm thinking that next Wednesday is the final exam; that would be the proof of the pudding, for our study efforts.

It was the last day of school and exams were over. All finals had been completed and we waited the results. At our school, test scores and the semester grade was handed out during the last class. In Mr. Buchanan's room we sat, some with anticipation, others with dread. Carrying the exams, he entered the class and laid the exam paper on the student's desk, upside down. Mine revealed an A-. Christy received hers, looked at and showed it to me. She had gotten a B+ on the final, giving her semester grade a B-. She couldn't believe it, she was so excited. Patti was the last to get hers and I thought this could mean only bad news. As Mr. Buchanan laid the exam on her desk I heard him say three words. "Good job Patti."

Flipping the test over showed a score of B+, and a semester grade of B-. The classroom exploded in applause. It was 'A job well done.' Later I did some calculations. The actual grade was C+ and had been increased the extra points to give her a B-. Mr. Buchanan was rewarding her for the effort. 

Buchanan spoke again and explained that physics was over (more applause) and next semester would be chemistry (now came the groans). Because the same students were in the same room with same teacher, we would remain in the same lab groups. Classes would begin right after the holidays.

At the conclusion of the period, kids crowded around Patti in congratulations. Her glance and big smile for me said she was very thankful. 

George chided me after school, "I hear you are scoring points with Patti. Christy told me her physics grade. They're not going to help you when you take that last swing? You're gonna strike out you know. Those ten bucks will be mine. I can feel them right now." As he patted his hip pocket. 




Three Strikes and You're Out



"Look," I say, "I'm gonna time that swing juuussst right. Ten bucks will be mine. Gotta tell mom how well the girls did. She'll be excited. See you Sunday evening at youth group. You have a Merry Christmas."

The three weeks of holiday vacation went fast. I saw Christy and George at youth group, but didn't see Patti. School was to begin the first Monday of January. In only a few months we would graduate, then summer and college in the fall. Life was going to change fast. 

My class schedule was fairly much the same. The only change was chemistry and the first class was in the lecture hall. I looked around for Christy and Patty but didn't see them. Strange. We were dismissed to go to the lab and still they were not there. I hoped they were all right. 

After school I met George as usual and asked if he knew where they were. He didn't but wasn't concerned. Perhaps they would be back tomorrow. 

The following day the girls were still absent. I asked around but no one seemed to know anything. On the third day they were in class. However Patti really looked down, and today she appeared haggard. Lab started and I showed the girls the new equipment and ran through the procedures. When I glanced at Christy and nodded towards Patti, she whispered "Shut up and don't ask."

Wow, that was clear. Whatever the secret, I was kept in the dark. At the end of class, Christy was talking to Mr. Buchanan when Patti approached me. "Do you still go to Springfield on Saturday?"

"Yeah, I work at my dads place from 8 to 12."

"I have a Dr's appointment at 9am; could you give me a ride there and back?"

"Sure, you will have to sit in the waiting room till I can pick you up. Is that okay?" 

"Yeah" as she dropped her eyes.

We made arrangements to pick her up about 6:45. I would drop her off at the Dr's office in time for me to get to work by 8. That was okay by her.

Christy returned and the two girls walked down the hall, their heads together in conversation.

Saturday arrived and I picked her up. It had snowed a bit the night before and I had to shade my eyes from the glare off the surrounding area, as the sun rose over the horizon. Attempting some conversation, it was soon evident she didn't want to talk. As we got closer to town I asked, "What's the address? Where we headed?"

She pulled out a slip of paper and read off the address. I didn't recognize it and asked for the name of the place.

"The Women's Clinic"

I swerved and almost drove into the ditch. "That's the abortion clin..." I started to say.

"Spence, promise me you won't tell anyone at school? You gotta promise. Please promise me." Her look was both pleading and in fear. Not wanting to be found out. 

"Patti, are you..." I groped looking for the right words. "You can't do that. It's not right."

Her hands gripped my arm. "Spence, promise me. Promise meee" she said in desperation as her fingers tightened on my arm.

"Okay, I promise." I said. "But you can't go through with that."

"It's my body so just leave me alone. I don't have a choice anyway."

She turned to look out the window; this discussion was off limits. We drove the rest of the way in silence. I found the street and started looking for the address.

"There it is, turn around, go back you missed it." she said.

The address did not match from what she had told me, but I turned around and located the Women's Center. We drove in and pulled up to the front. The time was 7:50 and the door locked. We waited and she sat in stony silence, very defiant. Right at 8:00 someone inside unlocked the door and I escorted her in. The lobby certainly did not resemble a doctor's office. It was nicely decorated. Patti went to the counter and told the lady there that she had an appointment at 9. She was directed to wait and someone would be with her shortly. As I headed out the door I told her I'd be back just after 12 noon. She shook her head in acknowledgment.

All during work my mind was on Patti and what she was doing. This was horrible. Ever so slowly the clock spun around till it was straight up noon and I headed to pick her up. I drove up and parked, the place seemed full. This couldn't be the Women's Clinic. Then I looked at the name on the building. This was the Women's CENTER. The name was similar. 

I walked in and saw her sitting in a corner. She motioned for me to sit down so I went over and selected a seat beside her. "This is not the clinic."

"What is this place? What did you do here?"

"They help women with their pregnancy. I couldn't do it."

Maybe there's still a chance I thought. "So what are you going to do?" I asked.

"I don't know. Dad will be so angry with me. The lady here is really very nice and wants me to come back next week."

"You gonna come?" I asked.

"I don't know. Daddy won't like it. I hate it when he yells at me like that." Then in a mock deep male voice she drones, "No daughter of mine is going to get pregnant." Changing her voice back to her normal one, she adds, "Then he tells me to go get an abortion."

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but to me, having an abortion is not the answer. Surely there could be some other way to deal with this. Besides I don't want to get in the middle between Patti and her father. This Women's Center seems to have helped her to decide to carry the child, so I offer to give her a lift.

"You need a ride for next week? I'll be glad to, if you want?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

We left and headed home. While in the car she shared that the Center, when they learned she was scheduled at the clinic, a lady had talked to her. They had run a pregnancy test confirming she was indeed 'with child'. She now had three choices, she could continue the pregnancy and become a parent, continue the pregnancy and choose adoption, or to terminate the pregnancy through an abortion. They emphasized the baby is a tiny, but real person, and has feelings. They had shown her a video where baby in the womb, shown by ultra-sound had responded to sound and loud noises. The staff at the Center is willing to help, if she chooses 'life' for her baby. Patti just couldn't go through with an abortion.

"What's going to happen when you get home?"

This question brought pause to her. "Dad's expecting me to have gone through with this. He told me that no daughter of his will disgrace the family name."

"When he finds out you have chosen not to?"

"He'll get angry." She said. She paused again, "Very angry."

"What about your mom, will she understand?"

"Not likely. Oh, God, what am I going to do? You promised? You won't tell?"

"I promised. Anyone else know?"

"Christy knows. We did the pregnancy test together. I've been so dumb. What're people going to think of me?"

We rode in silence for quite a while. Then, "Spence, when does the youth group meet?"

"Sunday evenings. Why?"

"The lady at the Center said if I went to church, I could earn points for baby stuff."

"I'll pick you up. Need a ride?"

"Sure"

"About 6:30?"

"That's fine."

We'd reached her home and I let her out. "Patti?"

Turning, she looked in the open window. "Yeah?"

"You gotta have that baby. Don't make another wrong choice. Please?"

She nodded, headed into the house. I went on home.

"Mom, Mom? Are you here?" I asked. She appeared from the other room. "Patti's PG."

Her hand went to her mouth as she took a quick gasp.

"She was planning on an abortion but we went to the Women's Center by accident." I shared the entire day's events. I'd promised not too tell anyone at school. Mom listened, asking a question every so often. When I finished I asked, "What should I do?" 

"Spence, she trusts you a lot, to have told you even this much. She's asked to go to youth group, and you take her to the center next Saturday, don't break that trust. You and Christy are going to find that you are her closest friends. She needs to depend on you and encourage her. I'm guessing that she is scared, really scared. Do you know who the father is?"

"She hasn't told me, but I can guess."

Sunday evening arrived and I drove up to her place. I went to the door and knocked. Her mom answered and I asked for Patti. "She's not planning on going out tonight"

"She asked to go to youth group and I promised to pick her up. I can wait." I was scared

She stepped back inside and motioned for me to enter. I stood in their entryway. "Patti, Spencer's here. Don't keep him waiting."

She appeared at the top of the stairs and slowly descended. I greeted her and we left together, heading towards my car. "What's going on?" I asked.

She did not say anything until we were in the car and driving away. "My dad is spitting angry and said he's ashamed of me. Said he'll turn me out in the streets if I don't have an abortion. No daughter of his will be a hussy."

"What about your mom? What's she say?"

"Mom told me it was my choice, but she won't go against dad."

"You sorry for your choice?"

"No, No, I'm not sorry. Jeezo Pete, Spence. I wish I could take back that one night. I didn't know it would cause this much trouble."

"Patti, I'll help you anyway I can. Just promise me you won't get an abortion?"

"I don't want to, but daddy does."

Arriving at the church, we went inside and I introduced her to Pastor Miller and his wife. They greeted her and "Just call me Mr. Miller." We walked into the room. Some of the other kids there knew Patti and gave me the 'knowing' look that I had a 'hot' date. I simply ignored them and walked over to George. 

"What trouble did you get into today?" He joked. Then he saw Patti and the look of surprise on his face was priceless. "Did you get a hit on this swing?"

He was referring to our discussion about me getting a date with Patti. I didn't want to talk about it so just let it slide. "Forget the game. Is Christy here yet?" I asked.

George pointed towards the other side of the room and we headed in that direction. "George, could you leave us alone for about 3 minutes."

He looked at me with a 'raised eyebrow' but moved away. Christy saw us coming and embraced Patti. She thought Patti had gone through with the abortion. As I shook my head 'no' you could have seen look of joy on Christy's face. I left the two of them together and walked back to George. "Sorry man, but there are problems here. I made a promise and can't tell you more, at least for now."

"You can trust me. You know I wouldn't tell on anyone?"

"Yeah, I know you wouldn't, that is why you are such a great friend. But I made a promise."

"Come on, the group meeting is getting started. Just let me know when you can, man." George said.

The girls found us and sat between us on one of the couches, just as Mr. Miller called the group to order. As always, there was some type of game at the start. Today was no different. The guys were asked to draw a number out of a hat, and the girls were asked to do the same, but from a different set. Then we were instructed to find a person with the same number as your own, talk to them for 5 minutes, and learn something that you did not know about them before. We all started milling around the room to find someone with the same number. I was paired with a young girl named Mary Anne and we chatted for a while. She liked horses and wanted one. I told her that of my strong dislike for asparagus.

The group got back together again and George, I and the two girls sat on the couch. We went around the circle with each one telling what they had learned about their other person. One of the fellows who's number matched with Patti's said he had learned Patti had received a B in physics class because Spence had helped her. Right then one of the younger students began to chant "Spencer's got a girlfriend, Spencer's got a girlfriend." Others joined in the chant, and I smiled knowing it was just good fun. Order was restored and we continued with the game.

Mr. Miller then moved into the lesson. The topic was dating and the importance of talking or communicating with each other. The idea of the game was to point out talking to each other, not only the likes and dislikes, but goals, plans, values, and beliefs. Marriage is for life and the purpose of dating is to lead to marriage, so talking about your core values is very important. He gave an example of a couple who had gotten married, only to learn that the other partner did not share the same faith values. This had created a high level of tension between the two and led to a divorce. Mr. Miller emphasized that dating was not just for fun, its a serious time to get to know the other person. Have fun while you are on a date, but do it with a serious purpose, get to know the other.

Finishing up the study time, Mr. Miller mentioned that January was an important time for the church. Next week we would be talking about an important issue and everyone should be here.

The session came to a close and we had some refreshments; cookies and pop. Christy and Patti stayed pretty much together and it looked like Patti was fitting right in, even though this was the first time she had attended. George, I and a couple other guys talked for quite a while about sports and which team would make the play-offs when Patti indicated she was ready to leave. I helped her with her coat and started towards the door just as someone started the chant, "Spencer's got a girlfriend. Spencer's got a girlfriend."

Heading towards the car, "I hope you were not embarrassed by that? It was just in fun. I can count on, at least once every few weeks; someone will tease me about the subject."

"I understand. No problem. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No" I replied.

"How come?"

"The last time I asked a girl out on a date, she told me no."

"Oh" she said and blushed. 

I drove her home and walked her up to her door. "You still want me to take you to the Women's Center next Saturday?" I asked.

"That would be appreciated. Spence, don't say anything, that would be awful."

"You have my promise. What about next Sunday night? Want me to pick you up for that?"

"I'd like that. Say, I did not know that Christy went to your church."

"She doesn't. Her family attends another church across town. They don't have any youth program so she and some other kids attend ours. I guess that is why ours is so large. About next Sunday night, I'll pick you up at the same time. Okay?"

"Okay" she said and then went inside. 

I headed back home where mom and I talked. "You actually declined to ask her for a date? She does need a good friend and you'd make a good one." Both of us wanted Patti to carry the baby full term and being a friend would be the best support.

The school week went normally and I took Patti to the Women's Center on Saturday. Then on Sunday I picked her up for the youth group meeting. The weather had turned cold for mid January and everyone came bundled up for the sub-zero temperatures. We shed our coats at the door and went into the warn activities room. Everyone was there, including George and Christy. We chatted about weather, school, sports and stuff till the meeting started. Tonight, we were told to pair off, boy girl, boy girl in groups of four. I paired off with Patti, George and Christy. The game time was benign but we all had a good time and it was full of laughs. The study session began as Mr. Miller mentioned that in a couple days the US would have an anniversary of sorts. It was when the Supreme Court had passed down the famous decision of Roe V. Wade and abortion became legal in our country. Most of the time he took to describe exactly what abortion was, the killing of an unborn child. He revealed statistics of the number of abortions that were carried out every year, the injuries some of the women received, and the post abortion trauma the woman often experienced. He emphasized that the church does not support abortion, instead they recommend carrying the child. If the baby was not able to be cared for, it should be placed up for adoption, or raising the child with support of other family members. 

I looked at Christy, then Patti. Both looked uncomfortable. Christy took Patti's hand. This lesson was hitting too close to home.

Next we were told to get together in our groups and discuss how we would support a girl if she were pregnant. I looked at Christy and she looked horrified while George was clueless. Patti had her head down and looking at her hands in her lap. I took the lead and began to offer ideas and suggestions on supporting a girl who was pregnant. Like, I would encourage her to not have an abortion, to offer support, give out my cell phone and home phone numbers, or to be a friend whenever it was needed. 

"Christy, what kind of help or support would you like if you found you were in the 'family way'?" I asked.

She picked up on the hint. We wanted to keep the conversation apart from Patti, unless she chose to join in. Christy and I did most of the talking, with George making an occasional contribution, Patti remained quiet, except once. "I'd be scared, very scared. Afraid of what people would think about me." She said.

What seemed like an eternity, the session finally ended and refreshments served. Patti and Christy went off with some other girls and George and I meandered over to the guys. Half hour later the meeting was breaking up and I helped Patti get her coat and headed to the car. Before I started the engine, she broke down and sobbed. Her shoulders just shook. My instinct was to hold her and comfort her but held off. It was maybe 5 minutes before she stopped, but tears stayed on her cheeks. She looked me in the eye and said, "You and Christy must really hate me."

"Patti, no. We don't hate you. 'I' don't hate you. I like you a lot and want to help. I just don't know how. Patti, I don't hate you at all."

"Did you mean what you said inside?"

"What was that?"

"You're phone numbers? You would give me your phone numbers?"

I took out a piece of paper, turned on the dome light and wrote down my cell phone number and home phone number, giving it to her. She folded it and placed it in her purse. "Thank you."

"Patti, you are going to need some help from other folks also. Who knows?"

"Just my folks, you, Christy, The Women's Center."

"Patti, my mom also knows. But you will have seek help. It's going to come out. Ignoring the pregnancy won't make it go away. If you keep it secret, it will only make it harder at the end. Pressure will increase to have an abortion; you need to talk to someone else."

"Who"

"How about Mr. Miller?" Just as I said his name, he and his wife came out of the church, heading home. He saw my car sitting in the lot and walked over to see if we needed any help. I rolled the window down.

"Does your car need a 'jump' or something?" He asked.

"No, we were just sitting here talking."

He turned to leave and I was rolling up the window when Patti spoke. "Mr. Miller, can we talk?"

He returned to the window and stooped to look in. "Sure, when do you want to talk?"

"Can we do it right now?" she asked hesitatingly.

He looked towards his car where his wife was sitting. Then back at us inquisitively, "Does my wife need to be present?"

"It would be better if she were included." I answered.

We all walked back into the church and to his office. He turned the heat up and we took off our coats, getting settled. He looked across at us and waited. Patti spoke first.

"I'm pregnant." Was all she said.

Mr. Miller's first question shook me wide awake. "Is Spencer the father of the child?"

I suppose I should have known that folks might think this as I was spending more time with her lately. As others learned, they would likely consider me the father.

"No, he's not. It's someone else."

She then shared about her parent's attitude toward an abortion, her father not wanting the family name disgraced, how I had helped her go to Springfield and not realizing she was considering an abortion. How we had accidentally gone to the Women's Center, instead of the Women's Clinic. The information she learned there had caused her to decide to keep the child, her coming to church, and how Christy and I were encouraging her. But most of all, she was scared about what people would think of her.




Three Strikes and You're Out



Once she started talking, the words seemed to just tumble out and became a flood as she unfettered her feelings. She had held herself in check for so long and now the dam broke open. She started sobbing a second time this evening. I held her hand as Mrs. Miller moved to her side and held her closely. Slowly she regained her composure.

"Patti," he started, "several weeks ago a choice was made that has led to this moment today. You can't run from that, it must be faced squarely. I want you to consider some questions. What about pressure from other people? Are your folks or others trying to make you do what's best for them? Other people WILL talk, you can't stop it. The most important thing is to make the right choices going forward. Deciding to have this child was the first and most critical one. Think about what having a baby means. Can you support it or would your family be supportive? Can you cope with a dependant and demanding baby? The Women's Center is an excellent place to learn all options, and help you answer them; listen to them. What about the baby's father? Would he help you?"

The look and change on Patti's face was immediate. While vigorously shaking her head back and forth she only said "No." I saw the look of anger in her eyes and perhaps a flash of hate across her face. Whatever had happened, she wanted nothing to do with him.

Turning to me he asked, "Spence, can you help her?"

"I am her friend and chauffer. I have been taking her to Springfield to the Center and bringing her here to youth group."

"Your friendship is more important than you know. You can be a big encouragement for her." He added. Turning to Patti, "You should consider some key people you want to share this with. As the baby grows, you will too, and it will be evident of your condition. Tell these people as soon as is appropriate. One more thing, what about the school, will they allow you to complete the year or not? Find out what their policy is and what options you may have." 

We talked a while longer before, "Right now, let's pray" We all gathered together holding hands as he led in prayer. 

Afterwards I drove Patti home. We stopped in front of her home for a few minutes. "How are you doing?" I asked.

"Okay for now. Spence, you are more than a chauffeur. Thanks for being a friend."

"Can I do anything else for you?"

"You have done so much already. You are really great, and I am very glad to call you my friend." She gave me a kiss on the cheek and slipped out of the car and into the house. 

I drove home and shared with mom the evening's events. "You are a smart son, very smart." Was all she said and we all turned in for the night.

Several weeks elapsed with our routine remaining fairly steady. Chemistry class was going well. Again, the concepts were theory, so I would search for a real world example they could relate to. Both girls learned well and their grades rose higher.

Patti had talked to a school counselor and been given permission to finish out the school year, provided no special needs were required. She would still be expected to do all of her assignments on time.

It was in March that I had a date with Patti, although George would not allow it to settle our bet. The truth of the matter is I didn't ask her out, it just sorta happened. Our school basket ball team was in the quarter finals for the championship spot in our school conference. This was an 'away' game and I had driven to the school from work. Yeah, I know, it was Friday night but dad badly needed to have a truck unloaded before the next morning. So I had agreed to work immediately after school that day and drove to Springfield. The truck was unloaded fairly quickly and I headed back home. Flipping on the radio, I caught the second quarter of the ball game and decided to detour to watch the rest of the game live. I phoned mom with my cell and let her know where I was going and arrived just as the second half began.

I climbed up into the bleachers and found an empty spot to watch. The score was close and see-sawed back and forth The crowd was on edge with fans for one team yelling encouragement and then the other team's fans would be on their feet screaming at the top of their lungs. It didn't take me long to get caught up in the excitement and I was jumping up and down with every basket and foul. 

There was a break in the action for a timeout when my cell rang. I answered and found myself talking to Patti. "Where are you?" I asked.

"On the other side of the gym, right side, and three quarters of the way up." My gaze searched the crowd in that area and I caught sight of her waving arms to get my attention. "Come on over and join us." She encouraged.

Shoot, I did not need any encouragement to be with her. In a heartbeat I was out of my seat and heading to the other side. The gym was packed and it took me a while to meander through the fans and to plop down beside her. It seems that George and Christy were on a date and Patti had finagled a ride to this game.

"I saw you come in and sit on the other side." She said. "Been trying to get your attention but you didn't look this way, so I called your cell."

"Glad you did. I always like sitting next to the prettiest girl in school."

"I'm not either." She said as she playfully pushed me away from her.

"Sure you are, just ask me." I smiled.

She punched me on the shoulder and I acted like I was hurt.

"Come on you two." George said. "Get with it, we're down by 5 points."

Patti and I shifted our attention to the game and soon were yelling at the top of our voices. Our team closed the gap then pulled ahead for a while, only to find the other team in the lead a few minutes later. Time was running out and both teams were playing their hearts out. With a minute left to play, we were one point in the lead but the opponents had the ball. The play moved to their end of the court and our guys working hard to defend the basket. The ball was passed around, in and out, up and down, back and forth. With 8 seconds on the clock, their best player found an opening and took a jumper, right into the basket. 2 points. We were down by one. Our side called time out to plan the offense, the team huddled around the coach as he gave instructions. The fans from both clubs were standing, yelling and stomping their feet. The gymnasium was in bedlam. 

The whistle blew and our team brought the ball into play. With time quickly running out, they moved it down the court and put their plan into action. One second on the clock, the ball came to our best shooter and he found the gap and took the shot, it hit the boards, bounced to the rim and then fell away as the buzzer sounded. The ref had his hand in the air with two fingers extended and his other hand pointing to a player on the other team. FOUL, two shots. We were down by one point, time had expired, but our team was awarded two foul shots. We could win, tie, or lose with these two shots. If you think the place had been noisy before, right now the sound was deafening. Both teams were pulled back and our one player was given the ball. He stepped to the line, dribbled the ball a few times, before gently arching it towards the net. A swisher, the game was now tied and a promise of overtime if the next shot didn't sink. The ref took the ball and passed it back to our player. The fans for the other team were clamoring and making noise to distract him. He silently stood at the line, bowed his head for a moment, and then backed away. Shaking his head from side to side, he stepped back to the line, looked at the basket, and shot. The ball arched long, hit the boards, bounced on the front of the rim and fell in. Our team and our fans went wild. The scoreboard shows us ahead by one point and time expired. Patti and I are hugging each other and jumping around in excitement, we were going to the championship game.

It took a long while for the place and our fans to settle down, but gradually the sound came down a tiny bit. I leaned over to George and said, "I'll take Patti home, if that's alright with you?"

"No problem." He answered. "You can't count this as a hit, though." He said looking towards her. 

"We'll see." I said. "Good game we had here tonight. Do you think our team will win the championship?"

"Yeah they'll make it. I've got confidence."

We gathered our things and headed towards my car holding hands. We were both still high from the adrenalin rush of that game and my voice was scratchy from the yelling. I unlocked the car and let her in, closing the door and going around to the driver's side. We pulled away but the going was slow with the crowd still leaving. Gradually traffic thinned and we were on the road towards home.

"Some game." I say.

"Boy, I can't recall a more exciting finish. Do you think the team will win at the finals?"

"That will be tough. It seems like every year the same team wins. This is the first time we have made it this far. Our guys are good, but lack the experience of championship play. I don't know if they can take the pressure. Last year I went to the big game and another team was slated to take it all. They nearly had a perfect season, but the pressure got to them and they folded in the last quarter. It will be tough for our team. Maybe they can do it. I will be there to root them on, that's for certain."

A minute later she asked, "Spence, what's this baseball thing you have with George? I keep hearing about swings, hits, and games. What's that all about?"

"It is nothing, really."

"Don't give me that. What is it?"

"It's about you. You sure you want to hear?"

"Boy, you have my curiosity up now."

I explained the silly bet and I had three chances to ask her for a date. At the moment I had two strikes against me. "It's not important right now."

She looked at me. "If you asked me, I'd say 'yes'." Then she waited.

The temptation was very strong to ask, but... "Patti, you need a good friend. So right now I would rather be that friend, than a date."

"I'd be honored to call you my friend." And her smile seemed to light up the car.

"How about a bite to eat? I haven't eaten since lunch."

"Sounds good to me. Where to?"

We drove to a local eatery and I got out opening her car door. We walked hand in hand up the walk and I held the restaurant door open for her. We went inside and were shown to a table. I helped her with her coat and helped her get seated, before I sat down.

"You are a real gentleman."

"How's that?" I asked.

"You have opened doors for me, held my coat, and helped me get seated. No one does that these days."

"Just natural to me."

"I'm serious Spence. Look at the other guys here in this place. How many do you see doing those kinds of things?"

During the rest of the evening we both watched the other men to see how they treated the women. The entire time we only saw one man help a lady with a coat and hold open the door for her.

"Guess you're right. Not many guys do that sort of thing." I admit.

"So how come you do that?"

"I am just being courteous. Besides you are the most beautiful woman in this place. Why shouldn't I act like a gentleman?"

Her smile certainly lit up our table area. I was thinking it may have even lit up the entire restaurant. "When you smile, it is like the sun rising in the sky. Sunshine would be a nice nick name."

"Daddy calls me his 'sugar'."

"I guess either would be appropriate, you certainly light up the sky with your smile and you are the sweetest person I know." I could see that she was embarrassed, so I changed the subject.

We talked about a variety of topics during the evening. I learned she really hadn't wanted to move when her dad had been transferred by the company. But since then, she had come to like this area. She had thought about going to college and becoming a teacher, but wasn't sure now. She was an only child, her birthday was June 1st, and she liked children. Her mom was active in a number of community groups and was a well respected spokesperson for children with disabilities.

I talked about my dad's business and how he believed that customer service was the best company policy. He had worked for another company for a long time but did not like the way they handled their clientele. So he had ventured out on his own, started his own trucking service and built it up from the ground floor. At the present time he had customers in 3 states and employed over 80 people. I had been helping him out in different ways since he had started, but wasn't sure what my plans for the future were. Mom was mainly a homemaker, she had gone to college, but hadn't graduated since she and dad had gotten married, then I came along.

Patti and I sat at this table, talking for a good long time. It was close to midnight when we noticed the time. The rest of the place was nearly empty so we gathered our things and I paid the bill, heading towards the car. The wind was strong and the temperature nippy as I departed the parking lot and headed towards her place.

"Spence, I have had one of the most enjoyable evenings in a long time, with you. Thank you for a wonderful time."

"It has been a marvelous time." I reply. "Perhaps we can do this again sometime."

"I'd like that."

At her house, I let her out of the car and walk her to the door. She lingers at the door for a moment as I bid her good night then she heads inside and I walk to the car. As I start the car, I see Patti framed in the doorway, and she takes her hand and blows me a kiss. Now that was unexpected but I what could I say, she was the prettiest girl in school and we were close friends.

I continued taking Patti to the Center each Saturday. They were teaching her what to expect through the pregnancy, what to expect through each stage of development for the child, and how to care for a newborn infant. Returning home, she had literature to read and was all bubbly about the baby. I was truly excited for her.

April 1st, April Fool's Day, produced one of those freak spring snow storms. The forecasters got it wrong, saying only flurries with light accumulation. Eight inches fell before the storm blew itself out, then the bottom dropped out of the thermometer and stayed there for 3 days. Our area had been having spring like weather for the previous 3 weeks, so we were completely unprepared. Snow began on Friday night and continued through Saturday afternoon. That night the stars came out and the mercury dropped. Our county maintenance crews brought out the snow plows and did a good job of making the roads passable. Sunday morning dawned to a beautiful winter wonderland; a stiff breeze was whipping the loose snow around leaving drifts across sidewalks and creeping out into the streets.

Mom, dad and I were ready for church when I called Patti. "I want to stay inside this morning. Maybe we can go to youth group this evening."

"Okay, I'll call you later."

Around 4 pm I phoned Patti. "Hi, you keeping warm today?"

"Yeah, I'm curled up in a blanket in front of our fireplace. Daddy got it going and I've been reading a book. Wish you were here."

"That does sound nice. How about youth group this evening, would you like me to pick you up?"

"I guess so. It's comfortable here, but I'd like to get out and be with you."

We talked for a while longer and I drove out to pick her up for the evening meeting at church. She was all bundled up with a fur lined hood. She reminded me of a very pretty Eskimo. 

Turnout was light that evening with only 8 showing up, besides Mr. Miller and his wife. The size of our group made him change the routine. He made a fire in the Church's fireplace and we took turns cooking hot dogs on a stick and roasting marshmallows. A short devotional was given but the rest of our time we just talked. George had his arm around Christy and I sat close to Patti. Conversation was general and everyone had a good time. I do not remember how the subject got started, but we were going around the group to see what everyone wanted to do with their lives. George said he planned to go into business administration after finishing college and Christy wanted be a teacher. Whether it was intentional, I don't know, but Mr. Miller changed the topic before I or Patti answered.

The meeting eventually broke up for the night. One of the other guys, Jason, needed a ride and I agreed to give him a lift. I ran the car to warm it up before everyone piled in. Jason lived a number of miles outside of town and gave me directions as I moved onto the highway. The roads were snow packed so I took it easy, not being in a hurry. Traffic was extremely light on the main roads and the secondary routes were completely deserted. It was close to 10 pm when we reached Jason's place and I let him out. Patti and I headed back to town.

We hadn't traveled more than a couple miles and I hit something in the road. The car was thrown into a spin, Patti screamed and clutched the dash as we slid over the edge and down into the ditch. Resting at an angle, the nose of the car was at the bottom and the rear wheels spinning sideways. We were stuck. Getting out, it was evident that this car was going to stay here till I could find someone to pull it out. The cell phone was useless as we were not receiving any signal.

"We are stuck. I think we'll have to walk."

"Can't we call someone?"

"There is no signal, no dial tone. I haven't seen a car along here so we gotta walk. If we stay here, we could freeze before anyone came along."

She bundled herself up, got out of the car and we headed up the embankment. I did not see it happen but she slipped in the snow and slid to the bottom of the ditch. She was okay but cold, and covered with snow. I picked her up and helped get her up the embankment to the road. Patti stuck her hands into her pockets and her hood was pulled up around her face. My arm found its way through hers and we walked down the road, listening to the crunch of the snow beneath our feet.

"Where are we headed?"

"To the first house where we can call for help. There are no lights along this road, so it may be a ways before we can find one."

She must have been in a playful mood. "Come on, let's skip. We can keep warmer." We skipped down the road like a couple of 12 year olds. When she started giggling, I took her hands in mine like a ball room dancer and we skipped on down the road. I was getting winded and we slowed to a stop. "That was fun." She said. "I haven't done that for a long time."

We walked in silence for a while before she asked, "Spence, tonight you never answered the question on what you plan to do for your life."

"I know," 

"Well, would you answer it for me?"

"It is nothing really. I want to be a good father."

"Huh. How come? Why do you say that?"

"It's kinda long story. I'll tell you some time."

"I'm not going anywhere for a while. We have the time." She pleaded.

I looked in her face, as our feet crunched in rhythm on the crisp snow. I began.

"I not an only child, my parents also had two girls who were younger than me. Rachel was 5 years younger than me and Sarah two years older than her. Anyway a couple years ago, mom picked them up from school and was taking them shopping in Springfield. On the trip back home, they were in an accident. A drunk driver plowed into the car head-on. The police figure he was traveling 60 miles an hour, he didn't even step on the brakes. Mom was wearing a seatbelt, the girls were not. They had been playing in the back seat when it happened. Sarah went through the windshield and they figured she died instantly. Rachel hung on for 9 days before her end. Mom was in a coma for 3 days and dad never left her side. He had to tell her about Sarah and they both cried together. Then dad spent all his time beside Rachel. She was awake and knew what was going on around. Maybe she even knew she would not make it, I'm not sure. She became weaker day by day and died one morning. Mom was still in the hospital and dad had to break the news to her a second time and they cried together again. Two days later mom came home and spent 3 months doing rehab. Even today, there are things that she has trouble doing by herself."




Three Strikes and You're Out



By this time, both of us are cold as the wind is stiffly blowing. We are fighting it as it blows across the road. We hold hands and have stuffed them down into one of her coat pockets.

"I am sorry, I never knew that. Why does that make you want to be a good father?" asks Patti.

I continue the narration. "Our family was close and my two sisters adored their older brother. I used to tease them a lot and they gang up together and tackle me. But to dad, those two girls were his princesses. He doted on them and would do anything for them. I mean anything. Don't get me wrong; dad loves me as much as them. The difference is that they were girls and dad treats women, all women, special. During that time in the hospital dad tried to get the absolute best medical care for Rach and mom. He took time off from his business and turned over the daily operations to the staff. I remember hearing dad and mom talk and he told mom that if it would save Rach's life he would sell the business in a heartbeat. Well, now that the girls are gone, he devotes himself to mom. He spent money for the best therapy for her recovery, he encouraged her to complete her college degree and encouraged her to do or try new things. He has showered gifts on her. Shortly after the accident and mom was home recuperating, she and I had a talk. One thing she told me was that 'dad' was the best thing to happen in her life. She hoped that one day when I got married and had a family, I would treat my wife and children just like dad has done with her and us kids. Even if the job I would eventually take were low paying, but I treated my family like dad had his, mom said that would be the best gift I could ever give and I'd be a king. I guess, I want to be like my father. That is why I say my ambition is to be the best father possible."

"Spence, that is amazing. That is so wonderful. You will make a very good father."

Then she started giggling, and she giggled, and she giggled.

"What's so funny?"

By now she is giggling so hard that we have to stop, right in the middle of the road. "Come on now, what's so funny?" I ask with my hands on my hips.

She places her extended arms straight through mine as I stand there. Slowly, she calms down and I ask again. "What's so darned funny?"

"Well, what's your ideal for a wife?" Then she starts giggling again.

"Huh?" I say, but her laughing is so infectious that I start to laugh.

After a few minutes she calms down enough again. "Who would you like her to be like? You know, like your mother, Mrs. Miller, or a teacher? Who would you like her to be like?" She simply stands there with that infectious grin on her face looking at me. "Come on Spence, who?"

"Oh, I dunno."

"Come on Spence, is it your mom?"

"No, not her. It's someone else," I volunteer.

"Ahhhhh Ha. There is someone. Who is it? Who is it? Who, who, who?" She cajoles.

"I don't know. I just don't want to say."

"Come on, is it someone I know? Do I know her?" She continues to spin me around in the middle of the road. She is like a little girl trying to get information out of me.

"Tell me, tell me. Is it someone I know?" She has me smiling and grinning so much that it is hard for me to refuse, and she knows this. "Speeeeennnnnnnncccerrrrrrrr, who is it? Do I know her."

Just to get her off my back I say, "Yes you know her." But as soon as I said this I knew it would be more trouble because she was planning on wheedling it all out of me.

I start walking down the road again as she latches on to my arm and continues to pry this information from me. "It's not your mom, Is it Mrs. Miller? Or is it Angela? Or Mrs. Roberts?...." as she begins naming women that I know.

Nothing comes out of my mouth, I remain silent and the crunching blends with her words. 

"Come on, Spence. Who is it?"

I really do not want to tell her but figure to have some fun with her. "Nope, it's none of those ladies."

Now Patti starts thinking of others and began to name them.

"Still none of those ladies." I say.

Her list of possible women has become very short. She is not able to think of many others. We are walking in silence but I can almost see the wheels turning in her mind as she is thinking.

"Can I have a hint? Please?"

"Okay. This lady is very bright and intelligent. You do know her. She is a lot of fun and she is also very beautiful." I hoped I had not said too much here but added, "And she is special to me."

Patti simply has no idea. "Are you going to tell me?" she asks.

"Not tonight. Maybe some other time."

She stuck her lip out in a pout but I remained firm. I certainly wasn't about to tell her.

We see a light in the distance and our pace quickens as we head towards a farmhouse. In another 5 minutes we step up to their door and Patti bangs on it. I know it's late but hope the folks hear us. What seems like an eternity, maybe 30 seconds, we see a light come on in the back of the house and a lady, dressed in a robe, answers the door.

"Ma'am, our car is stuck, can we come in and make a phone call and to get warm?" 

"Oh my gosh," she says. "Peter, Peter, Your help is needed here." she yells to her husband.

She holds open the door wide as Patti and I step inside their kitchen. As her husband comes in she says, "Honey, these kid's car has gone in the ditch. Could you help them with a pull?" 

He went back into the other part of the house to change his clothes and then returned. "Where is your car?"

"Down the road a piece. It slid into the ditch and we started to walk."

"Well son, lets get you warm and we'll go find your car. See if we can't get her out."

Maybe a half hour later he and I left in his truck to look. We drove for a ways before I pointed out the ditch.

"It's a good thing you hoofed it out of here. This part of the road is seldom traveled. With the weather as it is, no one would have seen you. My odometer says you walked close to three miles. In this cold, I don't see how you managed it."

He had a chain and we pulled my car out of the ditch. A tire was flat so he helped me change it before heading back to his place. Patti and his wife were talking when we walked inside.

"Got it out and looks like everything is alright." he said to no one in particular.

I look at Patti; she was tired but still looked beautiful. 

To the couple I ask, "What do we owe you for your help?" 

"Not a thing. It was our pleasure to help. You were in need."

"You are certain?" I queried.

"Absolutely. We are glad to help."

Pattie and I went to the car and headed back into town. She was silent and I figured she was still trying to find out who the person was we had been talking about earlier. But I was wrong. While Peter and I had been getting the car out of the ditch, she and his wife had been talking. Something that was said between them had gotten Patti thinking, thinking of the moral dilemma she had gotten herself in.

"Spence, what are you thinking about?"

"How pretty you are." I say without skipping a beat.

"You can say that even when I have this?" touching her stomach.

"Even when you have that." I reply.

"Don't you hate me for, for, for what I did?"

I stopped the car and turning around facing her.

"Patti, can you understand, I do not hate you; not now; not ever; there is no blame. It's over, it's past. My interest is you. I do not hate you, not even a little bit." I smile at her.

She smiled back at me weakly. I started the car and we drove to her house. Patti's mom was waiting up for us. I went in with Patti and we briefly explained the events from that evening. Her mom was thankful that everything was okay. As I left, she mentioned how much Patti appreciated me and all I was doing to help.

At home I tried to sneak into the house but my mom woke up when I opened the door. It always amazes me that she can be sound asleep yet hear the smallest noise when someone comes in. We talked for another hour about that evening before I crawled into bed. Mom's eyes told me that she was thinking more than she was telling me. "You really like Patti, don't you?" 

"Yeah mom, I do."

She smiled knowingly and we retired for the night.

Key people had been made aware of Patti's pregnancy and George was included. However, the next problem she encountered was not anticipated. Up till this time, Patti had been wearing loose fitting clothes, but by the beginning of May she changed into maternity outfits. This was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak. Her father decided enough was enough; his daughter was not going around looking like an unwed mother. She was not about to ruin the family name. An ultimatum was issued on Friday evening. And either she gets an abortion the next day, or she need not return home.

Saturday morning, driving to her house, I was chipper and looking forward to spending time with her. Going to the door she appeared and she was looking a mess. Her face was streaked with tears, her eyes blood shot; bags under her eyes from a sleepless night, and her clothes absolutely disheveled. "What's happened? What's wrong?" I asked.

Running to the car, she turned and looked at me. "Spence, I gotta get rid of this." She sniffled, pointing to her mid section. "Dad won't let me back in the house unless it's done 'today'. She opened the car door and got in, slamming it behind her.

I moved behind the wheel and pulled out into the street. No way would I allow her to have an abortion and yet that is what she was demanding. "Patti, what's going on? You don't really want to do that?"

"He ordered me, Spence. Or else don't show up at the front door. Those were his exact words. He hasn't given me a choice. The question has been settled." Her tone was bitter and final. No other option would be available. Talking to her became like speaking to a stone wall, wouldn't listen, refused to communicate, except to demand we drive to the Clinic. "It's over Spence; I not going to fight about it anymore."

"Patti, you..."

"Spencer, drive, don't talk. It's over. Do you HEAR me?" she screamed.

Oh gosh, I couldn't take her to the Clinic; I had to get her to the Women's Center. At this point she had tuned me out completely, she wasn't listening. Maybe the Center could talk some sense into her. We drove in silence and as I pulled into the Center's parking lot, Patti exploded. But right then, I didn't care. I grabbed her wrists and got right in her face. "You want an abortion, FINE." I yelled. "But first you go in here and tell them. You have an appointment here; you tell them you changed your mind. You owe them that much." I wasn't giving her a chance to say no, and opened the car door, pulling her inside. 

She plopped down on one of the lobby chairs. "I'll let them know you are here." I added, still angry.

I moved to the counter and informed them Patti was here for her appointment. Then whispering "Patti wants an abortion. Can we stop her?" The lady frowned for a second in thought, and then motioned for us to follow her. I pulled Patti along the hallway into the office we sat in silence as the Doctor entered.

Without any hesitation, Patti blurted out, "I had an appointment today, but I'm canceling it. I am going to get this thing out of me." Pointing to her swelling stomach. 

"Would you let me examine you first? I would like to see how you are doing?" he gently said.

Patti just looked at him without answering.

"Please, let me take a look. Then you can go." The doctor said.

Patti nodded and a nurse came in. I was asked to step out into the hallway while she was prepared. Then she and I were ushered into the examination room. She lay on an examination table and they brought in the ultra-sound. Her stomach was exposed and jell applied. The sensor moved across and the screen began to show the child. We could see the legs, feet, the toes. Then the picture moved and we saw the hands and fingers. As the hands moved, the nurse said, "See the baby is waving at you." I glanced at Patti and she was absolutely enraptured with the images. Again the picture changed and the face came into view. We could see the mouth look like it was nursing.

"Do you want to know the sex of this child?" we were asked.

Without thinking, Patti said "Yes".

Again the screen changed and we could clearly see that it was a girl. This was super cool. "What do you want to name her?"

"I like Christy." Patti replied. Then the meaning sunk home. Patti did not WANT an abortion; she wanted to have this baby. She wanted to give birth. Looking around the room at each of us, "I want this baby." She cried. "Please help me."

Mind you, I thought I was a friend and chauffer, but this child was too important and I'd do anything. The nurse pulled me towards Patti and sat me on a stool. I wrapped my arms around her and she broke down. We sat like this for several minutes; she needed someone to hold her. To be honest, I did not mind. The nurse cleaned Patti up and pulled her gown back down. They had taken 3 snapshots of the child during the examination and gave them to us. Shifting around, she sat up and I moved to sit beside her with my arm around her shoulders. One picture was in her hands and she traced the outline of the baby with her finger. "She looks so sweet."

The baby kicked and Patti jumped. "She kicked. Here..." Patti took my hand and placed it on her stomach. At first I felt nothing, then I felt a kick. "See, she kicked again." Our faces were close together and she looked at me. "Where am I going to go, Spence? Daddy won't let me back home."

"Let me see what I can do."

Leaving her with the nurse, I went to the front desk and made two phone calls. One to dad, to let him know I wasn't coming to work. Patti and the baby were more important. The second call to mom. I explained the situation and could she get the spare room ready. She was more than glad to help. I also asked her to give Mr. Miller a call and let him know what had transpired. Mom agreed and I hung up.

Patti was coming out of the examination room when I caught up beside her. She wrapped her arms around me and hung on, and we were ushered into the doctor's office.

He asked, "You must be absolutely certain; there can be no doubts."

Looking at that picture in her hands she answered, "No doubts. I want her."

He discussed things that she needed to do to take care of herself and to care for the baby. What warnings to watch for. If she should see any of those, she was to call a doctor right away. 

At the conclusion, we gathered our things to leave. Patti was firm in her resolve to have this child. Once in the car we stopped by a fast food place as we both were famished. "So where are we going?" she asked.

"To my place. I called mom and she said you could stay at our place in our spare room till things can be straightened out. I hope that is okay. I didn't know where else to call."

"Spence thanks. How can I repay you?"

"Just give birth to a healthy little girl. That would be the biggest thanks possible."

On the drive home, Patti sat next to me. She was scared and her emotions were all a whirl. One moment she would be excitedly talking about the baby, the next she was silent or she's hang on to me like she would never let me go. Arriving home, mom greeted us and gave Patti a big hug. "She'll need clothes and other items." 

"I can drive over to her house to get them." I volunteered

"Spence?" said mom.

"Yeah, mom?"

"That's not a good idea. It would be best if all three of us went." Turning to Patti, "You need to let your folks know."

"I don't know what to tell them."

"Tell them you want to have this baby. If you are not welcome in your home, you are certainly welcome in ours. Let them know you'll be staying with us."

As I drove, Patti sat beside me and mom was by the passenger door. Arriving at her house we walked to the entrance together. Her mother answered and Patti received a big motherly hug. 

"Mom I couldn't do it. I want this baby."

"Right now..."

She was interrupted as Patti's father came to the door. I thought I detected alcohol but wasn't certain.

"So you didn't have it done, why did you even come back?" he said.

Patti was immediately subdued.

My mom spoke up, introducing herself and requesting permission to get some of Patti's things; she could stay at our house.

"She's no longer a daughter of mine, this hussy." he slurred. "If she hasn't the guts to do the right thing and get rid of it, she doesn't deserve to live here anymore."

Speaking for the first time I said, "Sir, she wants this baby. She can stay at our place. We'll take care of her." I was angry at his attitude but spoke with civility.

"Kid, she's not your responsibility, she's mine. She still 17 and unless you're the one to plant that thing in her belly, you got no say in this, sonny boy. I'll make sure she does it." He grabbed Patti's arm to pull her inside.

"Daddy! No. You're hutting me. DADDY!" Patti pleaded as she struggled. Mom stepped between them and Patti's mom was trying release his grip. My anger was rising.

"She has disgraced the family name." he spit out continuing to pull.

"She's our daughter." Patti's mom says.

Without warning he shouted. "SHE WILL NOT GIVE BIRTH TO THAT BASTARD CHILD."

My own anger boiled over, "THEN I'LL MARRY PATTI AND TAKE CARE OF HER AND HER CHILD."

Her mother was finally able to break his hold on Patti's arm and the struggle ceased. By this time Patti was in tears and she I retreated from the doorway.

"Calm down." mom said. "Spence, take her to the car."

Her father turned and went back into the house while mom and Patti's mother were left at the doorway. I saw them talk for a while and then both went inside.

I put Patti in the car and sat beside her, my arm around her. My emotions were on edge, why would he not want her? She had stopped crying and then wrapped her arms around me. We sat like this in silence till mom came out, carrying a suitcase. The two women talked by the front door for a while longer then mom came to the car. I started to slide under the steering wheel but mom stopped me. Patti looked up in my face and what did I see?

"Hand me the keys." mom said. "I'm driving." 

I didn't argue, tossing my key ring to her while holding Patti. Mom put the suitcase in the trunk, slid behind the wheel and maneuvered into traffic.

"Did you mean what you said back there?" she said glancing at me.

"Absolutely. We can take care of Patti."

"That's not what you said. Never mind, we can talk about it when we get back to the house." Mom turned her attention to driving as she headed through traffic towards home.

I am thinking, what did I say? Mentally I relived the incident, going over everything said. My heart skipped a beat as I recalled my own words. "THEN I'LL MARRY PATTI AND TAKE CARE OF HER...."

"Mom?"

"Yes, Spence?"

"Am I in trouble?"

"I don't know. You need to tell Patti."

I looked at Patti, as I held her. She mumbled something which sounded like, "I hope so." But I wasn't sure. Patti shifted in my arms then looked at me. Was she worth it? Heck 'yes' she was, more than worth it. I'd marry her in a heartbeat, if she would have me. Yeah right, I think, a kid who's too scared to ask her out for a date. The wind was blowing through the car window and lifted her hair, swirling it around. My hand reached up and brushed some strands of hair from her face. Was it my imagination or did she smile and snuggle closer?

We drove into our yard and I helped Patti out of the car. Mom grabbing the suitcase and we went inside to the guest room. Patti's things were put in the closet and the dresser, and then we moved to the kitchen. 

Mom spoke "Spence was it emotions speaking back there or not?"

I looked at mom.

"Don't look at me. Look at Patti. She has every right and wants to know, too. Do you or don't you?"




Three Strikes and You're Out



I looked over at Patti who was watching my every move. That same look I had seen earlier was in her eyes.

"Heck, her dad had no right to treat her like that. The baby, she hasn't done anything wrong, why should she have to suffer."

Mom looked at Patti. "You know it's a girl?"

Patti smiled, "Yes, I'm thinking to name her Christy." She passed the picture across the table to mom.

"Spence, did you mean what you said at her home?" mom asked. "Don't look at me. Look at Patti when you answer."

Looking at Patti, "I don't want anything to happen to you or the baby. Patti, I want to marry you."

"Spence, you are really sweet..."

"Strike three." I say out loud.

"Spencer. It is Not strike three. Yes, I want to marry you. You swung at the pitch, you connected, and the ball is sailing over the fence."

"Holy mackerel. WOW", I say. We both reach across the table and held hands.

"I love you ya know." She says simply.

"And I you, above all else, I love you." There, it was simply said.

Mom added, "It's about time you two figured this out. Other people have suspected for a while, now. Do the two of you know what this means?"

"Not sure." We both say in unison.

For the next three hours we sit at the kitchen table and talked. Mom shared about the responsibilities that go with marriage. Like home, job, family, wife and husband with children, finances, church, extended family, etc. She presented questions for us to discuss, some thoughts, ideas, options, and consequences of our decision. Our talk would have been much longer, except dad came home and found us all in the kitchen. He had no idea of what had taken place so mom gave a brief overview of the day's events. To say the least, he was flabbergasted. "If all this works out between you two, and you need a job, I can probably work something out. Think about it and keep it in mind."

"The two of you go in the other room and talk; I'm going to fix supper. Now scoot, both of you."

Patti and I rose from the table, holding hands and went to the living room to sit on the couch. Even though everything had changed, it seemed like nothing had changed. She would be living at our house for a while, just not certain how long.

"When is the baby due?" I ask.

She counts a moment on her fingers, "End of June. The doctor thinks June 30 or July 1."

"So when do we get married?"

"I don't know. After school is out, I suppose. Where are we going to live?"

We talked about this for a while but no decision was made. Boy, there were a lot of things to think about, I thought. "Patti, when did you first realize you loved me?"

"Remember the snow storm when we got stranded? I knew but I didn't know how you felt. Are you going to let me know who the lady is you say would be an example for your wife? Or is there some competition there?" She is suddenly quiet at that thought.

I just smile at her.

"Come on Spence, don't keep me in the dark. I think I have every right to know, now you have asked me to marry you."

I looked up and saw mom coming into the room. "Ask my mom, Patti, she should know."

"Spence is not telling me something."

"What's that?" asked mom.

"The other week when we got stranded, Spence told me there was someone he says would be his ideal for a wife. But he won't tell me who."

Mom sees me grinning like a Cheshire cat, "Tell her Spence. You don't want your new fiancé to be upset with you." mom said with a smile.

Patti is looking directly at me. "Patti, YOU are the woman who I have as an ideal for a wife."

"You mean that you have ...Me?" She never finished the sentence as the idea was too big.

"I've thought you would make a great wife. But I never figured to reach first base with you. Guess I was fearful of being told 'no'."

"Patti," mom chimed in, "my son has shared with me everything you two have done together and everything he has dreamed about you. You said 'no' to him twice and he's been fearful of asking again. But that hasn't stopped him from wishing. You have been very much in his thoughts for weeks now. He idolizes you. What he told your Dad this afternoon was simply his heart speaking. I've suspected he's loved you, but he didn't know it." 

"I wish I'd known before."

"Just some motherly advice, you two need to learn to share your thoughts and dreams with each other. That's part of marriage."

"Mom, what did you and her mom talk about inside the house, this afternoon?"

Mom chuckled. "We talked about the two of you getting married. She heard what you said, don't forget. She believes that if it happens, you might be able to patch up things with her father. He is a proud man and doesn't really want anything bad to happen to Patti. It's just that he cannot tolerate her living at home, not having a husband and caring for a child. That is too much for him. Oh, by the way, your mom told me to take good care of you. I should say that you are welcome to stay here until your father lets you back home or you two get married with a place of your own. We will be talking on the phone and she wants updates. Patti, she wants you to call her on the phone too. Call when your father is not at home, at least until he has cooled down a bit. "

Patti jumped up and gave mom a bit hug. "Thank you, oh thank you."

"If the two of you are really serious about getting married, you must talk to Mr. Miller." She paused. "Supper's ready now, I'll go get your father." And she left the room.

For the rest of the evening Patti and I were never far apart. We helped mom clean up the table, do the dishes, get Patti's room arranged like she wanted, and just talked. There was one problem. With an extra person in the house, we needed to take turns with the bathroom. 

That night, I went to bed thinking about her. Patti was infectious on me. I fell asleep and dreamed about the most beautiful girl in school, who had told me 'no' for a date but 'yes' when asked to marry her.

The next morning we woke up and got ready for church. When we were nearly ready, I knocked on mom and dad's door. "Yes?" 

"Mom, can I ask a favor?"

"What do you need?" she replied.

Whispering in her ear, "Can I have a ring?"

She laughed, "Come on in." 

We went to her jewelry case and looked at the rings. One caught my eye and I picked it up, turning it over.

"That was your grandma's wedding ring. When she passed away, it was given to me."

"Mom, can I ...?"

"Go on. It's yours now, or should I say hers?"

"Thanks mom." I gave her a kiss on the cheek. "How did you get to be so smart?" I asked.

"I inherited it from my kid." she answered. "Go make her happy."

I knocked on Patti's door and she opened up. I whistled at her; she looked sharp. The blush rose in her cheeks. 

"Here is something for you," as I held out my clenched fist. 

She took my fist and pried the fingers open, one by one. As the last one was lifted she saw the ring and paused in amazement. "Where did you get this? It's beautiful."

"It belonged to my grandmother and now it belongs to you. Will you put it on?"

She did not say anything so I took her left hand and slid it on her ring finger. It was a bit large; we'd have to have it sized.

At first she just looked at it, then looked at me. Finally she took her arms and put them around my neck and we kissed. It was our first real kiss and it was the best.

About 10:30 we headed to the church. When we arrived, Patti had another surprise, her mother was there. We all sat together and after the service we talked and talked. She had brought another box of personal item which I put in dad's car. Patti showed her mom the ring and her mom gave me a hug.

"Take good care of her," She said.

"Both of them," I replied.

We invited her to dinner, but she graciously declined. She did say she would return on Sunday's to see us. Patti and her mom hugged as her mom left.

Mr. Miller was waiting to talk to Patti. "Have you settled whether you will keep the child?"

Patti just showed him her ring and pointed towards me.

"Ah," he said. "It looks like we will need to set up some counseling sessions soon. Just let me know when."

George caught up to me. "Hey Spence, where you been? What's going on here?"

Patti heard us and moved to my side, hugging my arm. "George, you remember that ball game you and Spence were playing at the beginning of the school year? You know, the one where I was the prize?"

"Yeah." he said cautiously while looking at us.

"Well, Spence just hit a home run in the bottom of the 9th and won the game. You owe him ten bucks." She showed him the ring and could have knocked him over with a feather.

His jaw literally hung open. "You mean...?" as he pointed his index fingers at us, going back and forth, and then hooking them together..

"Yep."

"Holy cow. Wait till I tell Christy."

"Which one?" Patti asked him.

"What do you mean, 'Which one?"

"Do you mean Christy at school, or this Christy?" as she held her hands over her extended abdomen.

"Jeepers, it's a girl and you've named her already."

Patti reached out and kissed George on the cheek. His face turned beet red.

The next three weeks were filled with school things. Everyone in the class knew that Patti was PG and rumors were being spread that I was the father. They had heard we were engaged, this only fueled them and fanned the flames. Kids who we thought were our friends would avoid us. Our whole lives changed, no longer were we considered single, we had crossed over to the side where parents reside and this was too much. To say that neither of us cared about this was wrong. It hurt, and it hurt badly. Christy and George remained close to us as did a couple other girls, Carol and Ann. The teachers treated us with courtesy and respect, but still we were different. We were thought of as two promiscuous teenagers, who were caught and now had to pay the price. My grades dropped slightly because my attention was diverted elsewhere, towards Patti. The six of us formed a study team, the 6 Musketeers. We would meet together regularly and go over notes and quiz each other over the material. We all became very close and I am convinced that it was this friendship bond which helped Patti. She struggled with her grades and we all pulled each other up.

Patti was growing larger by the week, and then by the day. She was experiencing the usual pregnancy problems, like sore back, swelling feet, always needing to use the bathroom, sagging and leaking breasts, and the strangest food cravings. What really caught me unprepared were Patti's mood swings. One moment she would be chipper and happy, but the next she was down and depressed over something. She could be so sweet and gentle one day, and on the next be grouchy and angry. Living in our home helped me to better understand her temperament, and for her to understand mine. Something I learned about myself was my tendency to procrastinate jobs until the last possible moment, while Patti would attempt to complete things at the earliest time. Whenever Patti and I were in a disagreement or argument, I would ask mom for advice. Mom's reply "Talk this through with Patti. If you are getting married, learn to discuss things together." More than once I had to go to Patti and tell her I was sorry, or to ask for forgiveness for something I had said or done. Patti, on the other hand, realizing she was in a 'down' or 'grouchy' mood, would signal with a "T" timeout. She needed to back away from something till her mood was better. Our relationship was growing, but it wasn't always easy. Mom coached and encouraged us and shared things that she and dad have learned in their relationship together over the years.

School was finally over. We had taken our finals and passed; we would graduate and receive our diplomas. Because of Patti's pregnancy some of the faculty thought it best that she not actually walk with the class to receive it. The decision was eventually left up to her. Did she want to walk with the class or not? She chose to walk down the aisle that day, and her mother was in the audience. The 6 Musketeers made a point to remain together and we all supported Patti. To me Patti remained the prettiest girl in school regardless of how others saw her.

With graduation over, we planned our wedding. It was to be a small one, in the church with only family members present. The date was on the second Saturday of June.

"Patti," I asked, "will your father walk you down the aisle? You should ask him." 

She agreed but was hesitant. "I really want him there; will he accept me the way I look now?"

Her mother came to our place several times during the week and I approached her to find out a good time for Patti to phone her father and ask him to 'give her away' at the wedding. She suggested a day and time; she would let her husband know that Patti would be calling him.

She dialed the phone and waited for the answer. "Daddy, it's me, Patti."

"Hi sugar. How you been?"

"I'm fine. I'm getting married on Saturday. Can you walk me down the aisle? I really want you to be there."

He remained quiet.

"Daddy, please come see me get married."

"Are you getting bigger?"

"Uh huh. She is kicking a lot. Daddy, can you come, please."

"Okay, sugar." Then he hung up.

"He's coming," she said smiling.

Saturday came only too soon. The wedding was at our church; Pastor Miller would officiate; all of our immediate families were there, and we included the 6 Musketeers. The total in attendance was 47; which was small as church weddings go, but it was what we wanted. Patti's father did not show up till about 5 minutes before it was to start. When he drove in to the church parking lot, Patti went to meet him. As he got out of his car, she was right there and gave him a hug. At first it looked like he did not know what to do, then slowly his arms wrapped around his daughter. We could see that they were talking but could not hear. After a minute or so, he stepped back and held her at arms length, looking at her, then kissed her. He offered her his arm and they walked into the church.

He was given some instructions and the wedding started. As for me, my eyes were on Patti while she and her father came down the aisle. After a few introductory remarks by the Pastor, her father handed her to me and he sat beside his wife, Patti and I turned towards the minister. The ceremony lasted about 15 minutes, we were pronounced husband and wife, and we kissed and walked back down the aisle.

A small reception was held in the fellowship hall where everyone gathered. Her father was very nice. He kissed her and the two hugged. Turning to me, "Take good care of my 'Sugar', she special." 

We talked for a few minutes and he asked what our plans were, where we would be living, and did I have any work. Then he handed each of us a wedding card. I tucked mine in a pocket with the others I had received, but Patti opened hers right on the spot. Reading the note inside, I saw a tear tumble down her cheek and she gave him another hug. "Thanks daddy."

"Only the best for my 'Sugar'," as he walked towards his wife.

When my dad walked up to us, Patti surprised us all. She went to him, wrapped her arms around him and buried her head in his chest. At first dad did not know what to do, then he took his arms and pulled her close. "I want to be your new daughter." She said.

Dad tightened his grip and replied, "You are my new princess." It had been a long time since I saw such a happy smile on his face. An empty hole in dad's heart had been filled and he did not want to let go. Mom told me later, that she saw a tear in his eye as he let her return to my side. 

The tradition of tossing the bride's bouquet came next. All the single girls got in a group and Patti was facing away from them. She tossed the flowers over her shoulder; they struck a light fixture on the ceiling and bounced right into Christy's hands. She held up the bouquet like a trophy. I sidled up to George and said out loud, "You're next George, when's the date?"

"No way, man. I'm going to college first." He said. But I did see him steal a kiss from Christy a short time later.

We cut the cake and then smeared the first piece on each other's face. Everybody laughed and took lots of pictures. Music was put on and I asked Patti for a dance. She hesitated, looking at her extended stomach but I tugged at her arm and she followed me the dance floor. We danced a slow dance, holding each other closely. During the second song her dad tapped me on the shoulder, to break in. I stepped aside and watched as father and daughter danced across the floor together. He was very gentle, all the anger was gone from his attitude. When the music stopped, they broke apart and returned to the side. My dad moved in taking his turn dancing with Patti. Both fathers treated her differently, yet they both treated her the same, with tender love.

Patti and I took turns dancing with others at the reception. I had a dance with mom, Patti's mother, and each of the girls from the Musketeers group. When I took a turn with Christy, I asked her how things were between her and George. "They are fine, juuust fine." She said smiling. "He says he's not ready yet, but I keep working on him. He'll come around, give him some time."

"He told me that he likes you a lot."

"Actually, I think he likes me more. He just doesn't know it yet. I'm working to bring it out of him." She smiled at me.

"Be gentle with him. He may act bashful, but he's not really."

"I will." She said with a knowing look on her face.

As the reception was coming to a close, someone asked what our plans were. I had to make a speech and standing up, explained that we already had an apartment, and I had a job with my dad's company. But once the baby came, I would have my hands full being a new daddy. Someone asked what we were planning on naming the baby.

"The baby is a girl and we have named her 'Christy' after one of our best friends. She has been super great to both of us and we want to honor her in this way." I motioned for Christy to stand up, which she did, and everyone clapped.

Now it was time to open up the gifts. We sat at the head of the table which was piled high with packages, cards and flowers. Mom was smart enough to make a list of the items as they were opened and to mark down who had given them. Most things were for starting up a new home, things like towels, sheets, dishes, kitchen items, etc. My parents made certain that we had everything necessary for the kitchen. I almost forgot the packet of cards that had been handed to me earlier. Remembering them I pulled them from my pocket and began to open them up. All were well wishes and a few contained money or checks to help us start our new life together. The last one in the pile was the one that Patti's father had given to me. I opened it up and Patti and I silently read what was written inside.

"You have won the love of my only daughter, so you must be special. She has always been my 'sugar'. Treat her right, because she is really sweet. You promised me that you would take care of her, I will honor that promise, because she has left my house to live in one that the two of you will make, and I can no longer care for her so I pass that responsibility on to you. Take care of her, and my new granddaughter, whom I hope to meet fairly soon. Just to help you with all the expenses you will likely have, here is something to help out. Oh, one more thing, I hope the two of you can give me more grandchildren." Signed: "Your new father." Enclosed was a check for the amount of $10,000. In his own way, he was telling us that he was sorry and could we ever forgive him.

I finished reading first and waited for Patti to finish. As she looked at the check, she gasped in surprise. Moving to her father she sat in his lap and simply hugged him to death. "Thank you daddy. Thank you, thank you, thank you."




Three Strikes, I'm Out?



My heart skipped a beat when the boss stopped by my cubicle, and I'm sure I blushed when his eye caught mine. I was on the phone with a client, and suddenly very conscious of my end of the conversation - especially when the boss smiled and gave me a thumbs up as he listened - but also eager to get off the phone so I could find out why he had stopped by to see me. My position was very much an entry-level one, so even though I knew him to be a hands-on leader, it was unusual that he'd stop by a cubicle like mine. For a moment, I indulged the thought that he would ask me out, but quickly focused on work again, conscious that he was listening carefully to my phone conversation.

"Nice work, Bailey," he said, reaching out to shake my hand, "glad to hear such a professional approach with our clients over the phone!"

"Wow, thanks, Mr..."

"No need to be so formal, Bailey," he interrupted me, "please, call me Jason."

"Oh, really? Well, thanks, Jason! So, what can I do for you?"

"Well, I'm a little disappointed in you. You know we've been trying to put together a team for the softball league, and yet you don't share with me that you were a star on your college team?"

"Well, that was a few years ago. And I don't know if I'd use the word 'star'..."

"Are you kidding? We're not exactly a pro league, we need every decent player we can get! And once Laura in accounting spilled your secret, I looked up your college stats. If you hit only half as well as you did your senior year, you'd be a great addition to our lineup! Oh, and I really need a catcher I can count on."

"So you're the pitcher?" I really hadn't thought much about playing since graduating two years back and deciding to focus on my career. But the thought of being able to play with Jason - I still couldn't believe he wanted me to call him Jason - was definitely a selling point. I'd had a huge crush on this guy since the first time we'd met.

"That's me - pitcher, wrangler of new members of the team, pretty much a utility man when it comes to keeping this team running. So, are you in?"

"Sure, count me in. When do we practice?"

"Well, unfortunately I'll need you to jump right into a game - our first game is Friday. You up for it? Our next practice isn't until next Tuesday."

"Sure, what the heck. Why not!"

"Alright, I'll make sure we have a uniform for you tomorrow, and I'll e-mail you the full schedule and directions to the field where we play. Thanks so much, Bailey, knew I could count on you to be a team player - literally!"

My phone rang again, and Jason said, "Alright, back to work - see you tomorrow!"

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

I had to admit, it was exciting to be back on the field again, especially without the pressure of playing for a winning college team. A few of the colleagues I already knew greeted me when I arrived at the field that Friday evening, and I was quickly introduced to those I hadn't met. It was an odd feeling at first, putting on the catcher's gear, but I soon felt at home as I crouched behind the plate, awaiting the first delivery from Jason. I had a great top of the first, throwing out a runner who attempted to steal second, and was having a great time catching pitches again. Slow-pitch was a big adjustment from the fast-pitch I'd played in college, but I quickly remembered the pleasure of being part of a team, the joy of competition.

Jason had put me in the lineup as the cleanup hitter, a vote of confidence which I wore proudly as I marched up to the plate for my first at-bat, with two of my teammates on base. Swing, strike one. Wow, I was way ahead of that pitch. I thought I'd made the adjustment by playing catcher, but apparently I was still off. Oh well, shake it off. Swing, strike two. OK, Bailey, calm down. I called time, stepped out of the batter's box, leaned the bat against my legs, and reached up to adjust my cap, tightening the hairband holding up my long blonde ponytail. Alright, this is it. Swing, strike three. I sulked back to the bench and hung my head. I hadn't struck out swinging since, like, ever!

One at-bat was just one at-bat, I told myself. Harder to tell myself that when the game was over, and I'd gone 0-4. My teammates were fine with it - after all, it was my first game, and it was just for fun anyway! Oh, and we'd managed to win, in spite of my complete inability to hit anyone in. But my inner athlete had returned, the competitive spirit that had made me a successful college player, and I was humiliated by being unable to catch up to - or I should say, slow down for, the balloon pitches from the opposing pitcher.

Jason found me still sitting on the bench after many of the other players had already headed home. "Hey, Bailey, don't be so hard on yourself - it's just a game!" He stood above me, resting one foot up on the bench next to where I was sitting.

"Yeah, I know. I just can't believe how different it is to hit those slow pitches - guess I'm still used to the rhythm of the fast-pitch game, even after a few years away from playing!"

"Well, I can tell that you're a very talented player - so it's just a matter of getting your timing down. You need to be a little more patient than you're used to, the ball just isn't coming at you as fast. I'd be happy to stick around for a while tonight if you'd like to work on your rhythm?"

I looked up at him, was once again pulled in by his genuine smile, and nodded, smiling back, taking him up on the offer.

We hung out at the field for at least another hour, Jason or I occasionally breaking down into laughter at my ridiculous swings, until I finally started to feel comfortable, hitting a few solid ground balls, ropes out to the outfield, and even, finally, a home run over the right-field fence.

"On that note, Bailey, why don't we call it a night."

"Thanks so much, Jason, I really appreciate your taking the time to do this!"

"Hey, my pleasure. After all, we can't have our cleanup hitter swinging through every pitch, can we?"

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

What started out as a fairly innocent office crush quickly became an all-consuming passion. Not only was I seeing Jason at work, but every Tuesday night for practice, every Friday night for games. And I was in uncharted territory. Throughout my high school and college years, I'd always had guys falling all over me, always had a date - or more - whenever I wanted. I was the successful athlete with the great body, who looked equally good - and knew it - sliding into second or dancing at the club. Now, I was the one drooling over the cute, successful guy. And although we were spending lots of time together, and he was perfectly charming, he either wasn't interested, or was playing hard-to-get. And it was driving me up the wall: I had never had to practice the techniques of trying to win someone's affections, and I sucked at it!

Jason was in his early 40s, had enjoyed great success in business, but not at the expense of his personal life - he was well-liked by employees and business partners alike, and enjoyed life to the fullest when he wasn't working. He was an avid runner, skier, active in many local community causes, and rarely said 'no' to a fun night out, whether a trip to the symphony with some of his wealthy older colleagues, or a visit to the pub for a few beers after a hard day of work.

My first attempt to send him signals that I was interested in more than just catching his balls, was to select a few of my more revealing outfits to wear to the office, and then find excuses to be passing by his office or meet him as he got off the elevator. Whether it was my favorite red silk blouse which showed off my perfect breasts, or a short black skirt which left little of my long, athletic legs to the imagination, I rearranged my closet so that anything I picked would show off my great figure. Rather than putting my hair up, as I often did for work, I let it down, showing off my long blonde locks. Similarly, although I often wore glasses to the office, knowing I'd spend several hours working at the computer, I began wearing my contacts instead, showing off my big blue eyes.

Let's just say, it backfired. Not that Jason didn't notice - he did. I felt warm and tingly each time I felt his eyes moving over my body, enjoying the view that I was so eager to show him. And not that Jason didn't appreciate - he did. But even as he asked me out - after enjoying several days worth of these outfits - I was once again feeling out of my element: rather than having him wrapped around my little finger, I was wrapped around his.

"You know, Bailey, you don't need to dress like that to get my attention. It's much more effective to leave something to the imagination. And if you're going for a sexy office look, you should really stick with the glasses. But hey, I appreciate the effort. What time should I pick you up Saturday night?"

"Um, really? I mean, um, how about 7?"

We had a delightful time that Saturday evening, went out for dinner and drinks and then to a dance club, where I discovered that among his many other talents, he was a great dancer. After enjoying ourselves on the dance floor, we talked for an hour or so over another round of drinks, and then he drove me home, walking me to the door of my apartment.

"Well, Bailey, I had a lovely time, you're great company."

"I had a wonderful time, Jason. Best night out in a long time. Would you like to..."

He interrupted me before I could finish what I'm sure was an obvious question, "I'd better be going, Bailey. See you at the office on Monday." He leaned in, put his finger on my chin to raise my lips to meet his, and kissed me, warmly and softly, and then was off without another word.

I let myself into my apartment and collapsed onto the sofa, confused. It was a perfect evening, and yet I was doubting myself. Let's just say, no man had ever left me at my doorway with just a kiss after a great night out before. I may have left a guy, gone back to my place on the excuse of homework or a game the next day, but anytime I invited someone in, he unfailingly accepted.

Strike one?

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

We began to see each other regularly outside of work - and softball - over the next few weeks, always having a wonderful time in each other's company, yet never progressing beyond the occasional kiss, embrace, or playful touch. After several of these encounters, my frustration growing, I decided it was time to try another tactic. I'd learned enough about him to venture an educated guess about what he might like in terms of playful dress-up, and I planned to surprise him on our next encounter.

He was going to pick me up at 7:30 on a Saturday. Earlier that day, I made a trip to the mall to pick up the things I'd need to complement what I already had on hand, and by 7:15, I was dressed and ready for him. I'd found my old high school cheerleading uniform, which still fit - although my breasts had grown fuller since high school, so the top looked as if I'd chosen it specifically to show off my tits. My high school colors were blue and white, the uniform's top was a blue sleeveless v-neck, and the skirt was white, pleated, with blue trim. My trip to the mall had added to my wardrobe a matching blue bra and thong panties, as well as blue hair ties which I used to pull my hair up into ponytails.

At 7:25 - Jason was always punctual, so I knew he'd arrive exactly at 7:30 if not one or two minutes earlier - I left my apartment, walked down the hall, right out the front door of the building, and stood on the sidewalk, waiting for him. If it wasn't such a quiet neighborhood, I probably wouldn't have risked it - but fortunately, as I'd guessed, Jason was the first person to see me when he arrived a few minutes later.

He got out of his car, spotted me, and paused for a moment, taking in the view with a smile. He walked over to me, took me by the arm, and walked me back towards the building, saying, "let's get you back inside, shall we?"

I eagerly followed, hoping that my bold move had the desired effect, and he was taking me inside to ravish me, but I soon realized I was mistaken.

"Do you have no patience, Bailey?" His eyes were still smiling, but his voice was all seriousness once we were back in my apartment.

"Um, but, don't you like it?" I twirled around, my skirt rising up as I did so, giving him another great view of my tight ass.

"Of course, Bailey, you're adorable. I just think you still have a lesson to learn about showing a little discipline. You don't always swing at the first pitch, right? Anything of quality in life is worth waiting for, that's all I'm saying."

"Well, um, yeah, but..."

"Well, then, let's go out, enjoy a nice evening. You should probably change first..."

Strike two?

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

I know I've shared this already, but it bears repeating. I was completely out of my element, utterly confused and frustrated. Yet at the same time, I was having the time of my life. I was dating a great guy, enjoying my job and the camaraderie of the company softball team. I just couldn't understand why he hadn't made his move yet. I kept thinking about what he'd said that night, about anything of quality being worth waiting for. I did agree, really I did, I'd just never had to wait for sex before!

I should catch you up on the progress of the softball season. In the midst of all this personal drama, the team had done quite well, and we were in the game for the league title. My teammates made sure I knew that they'd never done this well before, and that they credited me with much of the success, which obviously filled me with some pride, but it was still Jason's approval I was ultimately seeking.

The title game was a neck-and-neck one, each team responding with an equal number of runs after the other team would score. Finally, in the top of the ninth, we'd pulled ahead by two, and it was just up to us to hold the lead through one last inning. Jason struck out a weak hitter to start the inning, one down. He then gave up a hit and a walk, then got the second out with a pop-up. Two outs, two on. With our teammates cheering, we began what we hoped would be a quick last at-bat before we could begin our celebration.

The only thing standing between us and victory was the other team's best hitter. Oh well, victory isn't as sweet when it comes easy, right? After weeks of catching Jason's pitches, I began to remember a little of the feeling of playing in a high-stakes game. My pulse picked up a little, and I became ultra-aware of my surroundings. Strike one. Ball one. Strike two. Jason then motioned for me to visit him on the mound.

I got up out of my crouch and jogged to meet him.

"You've got him, you can strike him out!"

"I didn't call you out here to talk about softball, silly," Jason said with a wink.

"Oh, what then?"

"It's been great throwing to you tonight, watching you totally in the zone. You're much sexier when you're not thinking about your appearance and trying to impress me with skimpy outfits, you know. You've been very patient, and I think you've finally earned the best sex of your life."

"Oh, really," I quipped, "and what makes you think you'd be the best I've ever had?"

"Did that sound as ridiculous to you as it did to me, Bailey?"

I couldn't help but giggle as he called my bluff.

"Now, let's get this guy out. And don't you dare think we can sneak off right after the game. We've got to celebrate with the team first. But don't worry, we'll go back to my place afterwards. Just a little more patience, Bailey."

I'd never felt hot and bothered while wearing all of my catcher's gear before, but in that moment, it was all I could do to concentrate long enough to get back behind the plate and catch the ball Jason threw for the third strike. Our team met up at the pitcher's mound, high fives all around to celebrate, and then we piled into various cars for the short drive to our hangout pub a few blocks from the field. Jason had given me a ride to the game that night, so I rode with him to the pub.

"Unzip my pants," he commanded as soon as we were on the road.

"What, now?"

"Yes."

I did as I was told.

"Now, put it in your mouth. I want you to suck my cock until we get there."

I immediately followed his directions, unbuckling my seat belt and leaning over, both hands working to free his cock from his uniform and boxers, before taking him into my mouth. His soft cock quickly grew hard, and within a few moments I was straining to keep his full length inside my mouth. Knowing that we must be almost to our destination, and trusting he would stop me when we arrived, I began bobbing up and down on him, eager to satisfy. Just moments later, he stopped me.

"Good girl, that's nice work. Now, let's go enjoy the company of our teammates." He quickly zipped up, his erection disappearing as he put on his company boss hat and marched into the pub to congratulate everyone on the victory. Knowing that I would be rewarded for patience, I poured a beer from the pitcher at the nearest table and began mingling, going so far as to ignore Jason while I talked to the other folks there.

About an hour later, I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Jason behind me. He whispered to me, "It's time, but let's not make it obvious that we're leaving together. Why don't you go first, wait in my car, and I'll be there in a minute."

I nodded that I understood, and after saying a few quick goodbyes, made my way out to the parking lot and let myself into his car. My mind racing with the thoughts of his big hard cock buried deep inside of me, I watched the clock on his dash as about five minutes went by, before he finally came out to join me.

"OK, Bailey, here we go. Are you excited?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Did I mention how sexy it was to watch you behind the plate tonight, waiting to catch each of my pitches, and throw it back to me, getting into a rhythm? I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to be with you tonight. You're not tired from crouching, are you? Because I was hoping we could put you in that position a little longer."

"Actually, I am, maybe I could just go down on my knees for you?"

"That works for me."

A few minutes later, we arrived at his house, helped each other out of our uniforms, and were soon in his bedroom, naked.

"God, you're gorgeous, Bailey."

His hands moved all over my body, squeezing my breasts, pinching my nipples, briefly cupping my pussy, before he asked whether I was ready to get on my knees and continue what I'd started in the car a few hours earlier.

"Absolutely, Jason," I smiled, going down to my knees and pulling his entire cock into my mouth with one smooth stroke. I cupped his balls in my left hand, rolling them between my fingers, tickling them, as my right hand grasped his shaft firmly and worked together with my mouth to establish a regular rhythm. As I worked, Jason gathered my long hair in his fingers, grasping it into a tight ponytail, and used it to control my motions on his hard cock. He then began encouraging me with his words.

"That's it, Bailey, stroke it, long smooth strokes. I've watched you every time you've come up to the plate, bat in hand. Do you realize how naughty it looks, your routine with your bat? You hold it up with your right hand, stroke it up and down with your left, before every swing. Every time I watch you I imagine what it would feel like to have those hands around my cock."

Even just a few minutes in, it was clear to me that Jason's stamina was impressive compared with guys I'd been with in the past. I'd actually prided myself on being able to get a guy off in just a few minutes, but it was obvious that Jason knew how to last, how to enjoy the build-up to his climax that much more. Just as my jaw began to tire, after sucking him off for several minutes more, he let me up for air.




Three Strikes, I'm Out?



"Let me help you up, Bailey, your knees must be tired. I think you've earned a turn at a little pleasure."

He encouraged me to lie down on the bed, and spread my legs wide apart, before kneeling on the floor next to me. He slowly explored my inner thighs with his tongue, with long, wet strokes, before finally reaching my pussy lips, spreading them apart with his big, strong fingers, and beginning to lick me, my juices already flowing. I moaned and arched my back in pleasure with his first touch to my clit, and then cried out in delight as he plunged one finger deep into my pussy. 

His touch was expert, nothing like the guys I'd been with in the past who had blindly rubbed away on me, just hoping to make me wet enough to fuck. Jason actually knew how to bring a woman pleasure. My eyes were closed as I enjoyed the touch of his tongue and fingers, so it wasn't until I felt his movement that I realized he was shifting positions. He kept one finger active inside of me as he climbed up onto the bed, straddled me in a 69 position, and thrust his cock in my mouth as his tongue once again found my clit. As I continued to writhe in pleasure beneath him, I focused all the attention I could on him, pulling his balls into my mouth and sucking them, one by one, as my hands were busy stroking his shaft.

I once again pulled his cock into my mouth, sucking in as much length as I could and holding it there, as he sucked my clit into his mouth and massaged the entrance to my pussy with two fingers. After just a few moments more of this extreme pleasure, I came, a powerful orgasm wracking my body as I moaned around his big cock, still buried in my mouth. He kept up his calm rhythm as I rode out this pleasure, before finally pulling his weight up and off of me, sitting down next to me on the bed and watching as I fondled my own breasts, enjoying every moment of the ecstasy he'd brought me.

When I finally came back to reality, I saw that Jason had been stroking himself as he watched me, and was once again rock-hard and ready for action. "That was incredible, Jason. Best orgasm I've ever had. You were right, patience has its rewards."

"You sound like you think we're done..."

"Oh, no, I can see you're ready for more."

I smiled and sat up, crawling over to him and straddling his legs as he let his head and shoulders fall back against the pillows. I rubbed his rock-hard cock against my pussy lips, moistening it with my juices, before finally positioning myself over him and lowering, slowly, until I had him fully inside. I remained there for several moments, just rotating my hips slightly, enjoying the fullness, and then finally began moving up and down just a few inches with each stroke.

He reached up and grabbed my breasts as I rode him, kneading and pinching my nipples. After several minutes in this position, he spun me around into a reverse cowgirl, grabbing my hips to encourage my motions as I continued to bounce up and down, the strokes deeper and faster now. I cried out with pleasure at the sensations of this new position, encouraging him with every stroke with louder and louder moans of pleasure. 

After riding him for what seemed like hours, Jason pushed me up and off his cock, and we both climbed off the bed. He took me by the hand, led me to the foot of the bed, spun me around and embraced me from behind, whispering in my ear, "put your hands against the bed frame and spread your legs, I want to fuck you from behind until we both cum."

I eagerly did as I was told, and just a moment later was ready for him to plow into me from behind. He didn't keep me waiting, and I screamed out in delight at this new level of penetration. He grabbed my hips and pushed in and out of me forcefully and with a relentless rhythm. I knew I wouldn't last long before cumming again, and from the sound of his breathing from behind me, neither would Jason. I decided to encourage him on, looking back over my shoulder at him with sultry eyes and talking dirty.

"Come on, Jason, fuck me, harder! That's it, just like that, fuck me, fuck meeeeeee!"

He was pounding me furiously now, and after a few moments more I succumbed to the ultimate pleasure. It was all I could do to stay on my feet, clutching the bed frame with my hands, as he continued to thrust in and out, moaning with pleasure as my pussy pulsed around his cock. Finally, just as my own orgasm was subsiding, he pulled out of me and cried out as he shot a huge load of cum all over my back. 

"So, Bailey, how was that for you?"

"I think we knocked one out of the park."

"Agreed. Let's hit the showers."



Three Strikes



Between his skill and my eagerness, all the months I'd spent craving him and hating him in turn, it wasn't long before my orgasm overtook me. I trembled and choked out a moan as it started, releasing his hair so he could pull back if he wanted, but Jeremy kept me inside, sucking hard as the first jet of my release spilled onto his tongue.

Heat rushed through me, starting low in my pelvis and spreading fast. My eyes slammed shut, and behind my lids, I watched as a block of color broke apart one tiny piece at a time and vanished into nothingness.

After it was over, Jeremy pulled back and licked his lips, pink and swollen from his efforts. Before he could speak, I lowered myself to my knees in front of him. I bent down and pressed my lips to the bulge that strained the front of his pants, inhaling his scent, musk, clean sweat, and nuzzling lightly at the length of his cock.

I reached the tip and paused when I felt something circular and unyielding. My eyebrows furrowed, but only for a moment. It didn't take much longer to figure out what the hardness was. Another piercing. 

I looked up at him. "Let me see it."

Jeremy smirked a little and lifted his hips so I could pull down his pants. His cock, impressively large for a man of his size, made my mouth water—especially when I got to the curved barbell at the head. 

I'd never been with a guy who had a Prince Albert piercing, though I'd seen my fair share of pictures. The idea of one had always intrigued me, but as far as body modifications went, I was totally vanilla. I had no ink and not a single piercing to my name. Maybe that was why I'd always been attracted to the exact opposite.

I licked at the barbell, which felt smooth against my tongue and warm from his body heat. Jeremy moaned softly when I followed that lick with a swirl around his cockhead, tasting the bitterness of his pre-come and the salt of sweat. I moaned as that flavor possessed me. Suddenly, I couldn't get enough. I sucked him down as far as I could, taking him to the back of my throat and swallowing around his tip, using every dirty little trick I knew to drive him out of his mind.

The sound of my name was the only warning I had before his come filled my mouth. I swallowed as much as I could and cleaned up what I'd missed with my tongue as his cock began to soften. Jeremy's fingers, which had threaded into my hair at some point, tightened and drew my head away.

Our eyes met, mine wide in surprise at myself, his dark and satiated. "So, have I earned my second chance?" he asked.

I blinked at him for a moment, and then jerked away, my stomach plummeting. "That," I said, my voice cracking halfway through. "That's not—I—this wasn't—"

He reached for me and pulled me back down. "Stop. That's not what I meant. I just need to know, should I bother coming in tomorrow? Are you letting me go?"

I struggled against the queasiness that had sprung up inside me at his original question and the fear that what happened between us had simply been an act to make sure his job was secured. I hadn't thought so at the beginning. Right then it was hard to be certain. 

"I... Yes, you still have your job." I brushed his arms from my shoulders and got to my feet, pausing to pull up my jockstrap and shorts so I wouldn't trip over them on the way to my locker. "The call with that customer wasn't recorded. I can discard the write-up. But the next time something like that happens, it'll be your last." 

I turned and started toward my locker. A shower could wait until I got home. I didn't want to be in that room with him for a second longer than I had to be.

He watched me in silence as I packed up my bag, sitting with his pants still halfway down, his expression inscrutable. "That's it?" he asked when I reached the door.

I glanced at him over my shoulder. When I answered, my voice was harsher than I intended, undoubtedly revealing some of the emotions I'd have preferred to keep hidden. For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to care. "You got what you came for. What else do you want?"

Jeremy just looked at me for long seconds. He shook his head. "What I came for is about to leave me sitting here like a chump with my cock still out," he said. "When I said I wanted you, I meant it."

Somehow my legs took over even as my brain struggled to understand what he'd said. I found myself in front of him again without a clear memory of having moved. "I'm sorry. I thought... Well, it doesn't matter. I want you, too."

Jeremy arched a brow at me. "Then let's get out of here. Your place, mine, I don't care. I want you to fuck me. And tomorrow, maybe we can skip the exercise, and you can take me out for a drink."

"Yeah?" I said, relief making me grin. "Maybe you should be the one buying. I figure after last week, you owe me one, McDouche."

Jeremy's lips quirked briefly before he smothered the expression. "Yeah," he murmured. "I guess I do."