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Surviving Adversity

By: SW_MO_Hermit



Aaron moved from desk to desk through the office he had spent the last nineteen years in. Oh, he had not had the same job for that length of time but he had worked at the same address. He had risen from a claims adjuster to Assistant Manager during that time. Today was to be the last time he was in the office—at least as an employee—and it was not a full day. It was just short of ten a.m. and he was making the final rounds telling his employees goodbye before he went off to an early retirement. His company was downsizing and had offered early retirement to those who had a total score of years of service with the company and age that equaled at least 80. Aaron had just made the cut. He was just past age 51 and had 29 years with his current employer.

Thankfully savings and the sweetened retirement package had made it financially possible for him to retire. He had become so tired of the pressure he had been looking for other work when the early retirement opportunity was announced. He had been one of the first persons to apply. The thought of retiring early was frightening because it would be so long until he could collect his social security but he and his wife had decided he should make the move and retire for the sake of his mental and physical health as well as for the sake of their marriage.

The day of his retirement Aaron and his wife Bonnie left for a six week retirement trip. They had always wanted to travel and so they immediately began doing so. The first few years of Aaron's retirement they planned to drive all over North America. They intended to have an ultimate destination in mind for each trip but they would take their time getting there and getting back home. If they saw someplace they wanted to see they would stop and see or do whatever caught their interest. The first three trips were wonderful. During winter they were on the beach in south Florida, in the Keys. As the weather warmed they moved north. During the hot part of the year they were in Canada, Alaska and the northern part of the United States. Most of their trips were six to eight weeks long then they would return home to do necessary upkeep, touch base with family and friends and pick up clothes appropriate for the weather they would face on their next trip.

Aaron and Bonnie were not hypochondriacs by any stretch of the imagination but they were careful of their health. They had the recommended checkups for persons their age. They went to the dentist every six months for exams and cleanings as recommended. They took vitamins and exercised. They ate balanced meals and tried to eat healthy foods. In short they tried to live life right yet still eat and drink well. They intended to fully enjoy the time they had remaining.

When Aaron was 50 he had his first colonoscopy as is recommended. Polyps were found and removed. Then he was informed he needed to have another colonoscopy every two years because polyps had a history of turning malignant. With a history of polyps more care should be taken.

Aaron had his second colonoscopy at age 52 as recommended. He and Bonnie were upbeat and looking forward to another winter in Florida. They were scheduled to depart from Wilsons Mill a week after the procedure. The gastroenterologist came into the room shortly after Aaron was returned from recovery.

Dr. Johnson said, "Mr. Talkington we found two more polyps this time. I only removed one of them. The other polyp was very large. It has to come out but we need to know more about it. Before we remove it I want to see the biopsy as it looks suspicious. I need to know how deep it goes before we attempt removal."

Bonnie looked shocked and Aaron felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He was already thinking of the "C" word and felt like the bottom fell out of his life. Bonnie said, "Doctor we're supposed to go to Florida for six weeks beginning next Thursday. Am I going to know about this before we leave?"

"I should have the biopsy back next Monday. I will be out of the office most of the day Tuesday. If I have not called you by Wednesday afternoon you can check with my office for the results."

Bonnie set her lips then asked, "What about our trip? When will he have to do something about this?"

"If the trip was for a week or so there would be no problem but if the growth is malignant we will want to move to remove it as soon as possible. Even if it is not malignant it should come out very soon to be safe. I recommend surgery immediately in either case but obviously if it is cancer the surgery should be sooner rather than later."

Aaron lay on his bed and listened to his wife and Doctor discuss his problem. He understood what the doctor was saying but what bothered him was his wife. She seemed more worried about her winter in Florida than she did about his health. He was still not thinking clearly because of the anesthetic in his system but he had a strange feeling about the conversation. Bonnie's attitude worried him.

Six days later just after noon on Tuesday the phone rang. Aaron was sitting at his desk researching stocks and repositioning himself in his self directed Individual Retirement Account. He picked up the phone. Doctor Johnson said, "Mr. Talkington?" When Aaron acknowledged the doctor continued, "I got the results of your biopsy back yesterday as I said we would. It was a cancer sir. My office will be setting up further tests for you as soon as possible. Our first test will be a CT scan to determine the size and depth of the growth. After I receive that we will get back in touch to make further treatment arrangements."

Aaron sat somewhat in shock. He had been expecting this outcome but it is still a shock when you hear the words you have been dreading. He tried to ask questions but many of the things he wanted, needed desperately to know could not be determined this early in his treatment. Finally, still in shock, he said, "Thank you doctor," and hung up.

It was normal in the Talkington home for Aaron and his wife to put the phone on speaker when they answered. They were a couple and had been for 28 years. They neither one had secrets from the other. In fact, many of their friends would not call to visit because they did not like the fact each was privy to every phone call.

When Aaron hung up the phone Bonnie came into the office from the kitchen where she had been working. She stood in the door for a moment then walked to one of the chairs they used to read. "Well, that sure puts a crimp in our travel plans. Did he say when everything would go down?"

"No. You heard it. They'll call with the next appointment."

Later that afternoon Dr. Johnson's office nurse called with the next two appointment times for further tests. There was a blood work up scheduled for the next day then in four days the CT scan. It would be three days for the results to be read and the doctor to call back at the outside. As soon as he hung up Aaron began canceling reservations for their trip. He cancelled three weeks ahead and decided to wait before cancelling more. Depending on how the tests came out and how soon he had his surgery he had hopes of going to Florida for at least part of the time they had scheduled.

Bonnie walked into the office and saw the computer screen had a cancellation verification e-mail visible. "What are you doing," she asked. "You aren't cancelling all of our reservations are you?"

"NO, I only cancelled the first three weeks. I thought we might still be able to go for part of the winter. From here out I will only cancel as we get closer to the reservation beginning date. I plan to cancel each reservation just before it is no longer open to cancellation without penalty. That way if things work out for the better we can still go south part of the season."

Bonnie sighed and said, "Well I suppose that's the best you can do right now." She turned and walked from the room with no further conversation. For the next three days she was quiet, pensive. When she said anything to Aaron her voice was sharp. She seemed upset but when Aaron asked her what was wrong she always said "Nothing". Aaron chalked her attitude up to worry over his health problem. After all, he wasn't the most chipper person in the world either and he had to watch himself to keep from snapping at Bonnie. Aaron knew how he would feel if it was Bonnie with this hanging over her head. 

A few days later Aaron and Bonnie went to the pre surgery check up. Bonnie seemed surly once again and just sat staring into space while they waited their turn to see the surgeon. Aaron was not much better. He looked around the room and saw all the sick people, people with hope shattered because their cancer came back, people like him that had not had surgery before and still hoped for the best, that they would beat the "big C".

During the consultation Aaron had trouble concentrating on the discussion. He remembered listening to and approving the plan but when the surgeon asked if he had any questions his mind came up blank. All he could do was shake his head no. Bonnie on the other hand had many questions and they all seemed to dwell on recovery times and what Aaron would be able to do after the surgery, if he could travel and if so how soon. Aaron thought many of the answers were positive but Bonnie seemed worried. Finally the exam ended and Bonnie and Aaron left for their home. The trip home was quiet, tense.

Neither Aaron nor Bonnie slept well the last few days before his surgery was scheduled. Finally the day of his surgery arrived. The doctor had recommended and Aaron agreed that a portion of his large colon be removed. The day of his surgery Aaron was frightened and somewhat angry at the same time. Bonnie took him to the hospital as a worried spouse would do but she seemed withdrawn, almost surly. Her attitude radiated resentment rather than concern. She seemed angry she had to make the trip and care for Aaron.

Like most people when they come out from under anesthetic Aaron was confused and had trouble focusing on what the doctor said. To his surprise, unlike most people with families he became aware Bonnie was not in his room when he was returned. She had not even arrived by the time the doctor came into the room to discuss what he found during the surgery.

The doctor was almost finished telling Aaron the results when Bonnie came wandering into the room carrying a starbucks coffee and sweet roll. She sat in the chair and had her snack as she listened to the remainder of the doctor's conversation. The part she heard was, "There is a good chance we got the entire tumor. It had not grown past the intestinal wall as far as we could determine. With a history of colon cancer however, you will need more frequent tests and will need to be more careful about identifying possible symptoms of recurrence. Unless there are complications I expect you will be able to resume normal activities in six to eight weeks. We will know more when we get the pathology report. That usually takes about three days."

Bonnie asked, "How soon can he travel. We are supposed to be in Florida right now. When can we leave?"

"He should not drive for at least two weeks, preferably four. I would not recommend he ride in a car for more than an hour at a time until that period has elapsed. After he returns home he can do most things as tolerable."

Bonnie scowled and glared at Aaron as the doctor said, "Unless there are other questions I have to go to my next procedure. I'll stop by later this evening."

Before the evening meal was served Bonnie rose from her chair and walked up beside Aaron's bed. She said, "I am leaving now. I have a lot of things at home that need doing. I'll be back tomorrow." Bonnie turned and left while Aaron lay there in surprise. Of course, with the residuals from the anesthetic he had been drifting in and out of sleep all afternoon but he felt he had missed something in the conversation. Bonnie did not kiss him good bye, she did not touch him or even tell him she loved him when she left. Had he just zoned out and missed that?

It was after noon the next day before Bonnie arrived. She just walked into the room and sat in the chair. Aaron looked over at her and said, "Hi. I was beginning to worry about you. Is everything OK?"

"Of course. I just had a lot to do this morning. Has the doctor been here yet?" 

"Yeah. He seemed happy. He said if everything goes well I can go home Thursday or Friday."

Bonnie came to the hospital daily but she did not spend much time with Aaron. She seemed withdrawn and surly when she was there. It was late Friday before Bonnie showed up at the hospital to take Aaron home. She didn't have much to say during the trip. After they arrived home she helped him into the house and to his chair in the office. She said, "Sit here while I finish dinner. I've made up the guest room for you so you don't have to climb the stairs to our bedroom until you can walk better."

"Honey it's only four steps to the upper level. I know I can make that OK and I really want to sleep in my own bed."

Bonnie's face tightened and she scowled before she said, "I don't care Aaron. The doctor said not to overdo things and only do limited walking to be increased daily. He said no strenuous exercise and that's what I intend to see you do. You'll sleep on the lower level until the doctor says you can do more."

Bonnie cared for Aaron the entire weekend and until Wednesday of the following week. She helped him to the bathroom and brought his meals to the chair for him to eat. She seemed surly to him. Aaron decided she was not sleeping any better than he was. Her eyes were bloodshot and had deep circles under them. Her face was puffy as if she had been crying. He felt good and at the same time sad because she seemed to be worrying so much about him.

Thursday morning Bonnie took Aaron back to the Doctor's office for his one week check up. Once again her attitude was poor. When she spoke to Aaron her voice was sharp and she had no patience with him. Aaron still walked slowly because of the pain from his incision. Bonnie would walk at a normal fast pace then stop several feet ahead of him, turn and huff because he could not keep up. She was apparently angry he was so slow and Aaron was becoming angry because Bonnie was so impatient with him. Once again sharp words were exchanged.

When they left the doctor's office they had shopping to do. They were nearly out of groceries. Aaron slowly got out of the car and followed Bonnie half way to the store. Finally he gave out and said, "Honey I just can't make it. I have to go back to the car. Sorry."

Bonnie looked back at him and scowled then turned and stomped into the store. Almost 45 minutes later she came back with the groceries. The cart was almost half full of bags. She stood behind the car glaring at Aaron while she rummaged for her keys in her purse. Finally she opened the trunk and unloaded the groceries. Bonnie didn't even return the cart to the proper location. She just pushed it out of the way and got into the car. She never even looked at Aaron before she started and drove out of the lot. Neither spoke during the nearly 45 minute drive back to their home.

When they arrived home Aaron picked up one light bag and Bonnie's purse then walked slowly into the house. Bonnie followed him carrying four large bags. When she entered the kitchen she glared at Aaron who was sitting in a kitchen chair resting. He said, "I'm sorry Honey. I'm bushed. I just can't help carry even the light bags. Just your purse and the one bag I brought in hurt my incision. I think I'm going to my chair for a short nap while you prepare supper."

Aaron never even woke up to eat his supper. The next thing he knew was at one a.m. when he had to get up to use the bathroom. After he finished he staggered into his bedroom and collapsed once more. The next morning just after 0630 he heard Bonnie clanging around in the kitchen. Shortly thereafter he smelled bacon cooking and coffee perking. He dressed and slowly made his way into the kitchen.

Aaron looked at Bonnie, pulled out his chair and sat. He smiled and said, "Good morning Honey. I was really bushed. I only woke up once last night. You doing OK this morning?"

Bonnie grunted "Yeah" and continued cooking. She placed a cup of coffee and his breakfast in front of Aaron. She returned to the stove for her food and coffee then sat at her usual place across from him. When they were nearly finished with their breakfast Bonnie looked over the breakfast table at Aaron and said, "I have to go into town this morning. I need to run some errands and pick up some things we didn't get yesterday. After I finish my errands I am going to stop by and visit Marlene. I'll be late getting home. There is some left over's in the refrigerator for your lunch and supper."

"OK. Would you stop somewhere and get more Pepsi please? I only have six bottles left. We should have bought more yesterday. I've really been enjoying it the last several days."

As the day wore on Aaron became worried. Bonnie had been gone all day and he had not heard a peep from her. Beginning mid afternoon Aaron had made repeated attempts to reach her on her cell phone. Finally at 1830 that evening, his worry intensifying, he called the highway patrol to see if she had an accident. They told him there was no record of his vehicle or wife being involved in an accident.

Aaron sat in his chair and worried more and more. He continued to call her occasionally until he fell asleep in his chair. He woke about five a.m. After he hobbled to the downstairs bathroom he made his way to the garage door that opened off the kitchen. His truck was in the garage but not Bonnie's SUV. Aaron became even more worried and he felt his stomach muscles clench. He slowly, painfully, made his way up the stairs to the master bedroom. The bed had not been slept in.

Aaron stood in shock as he surveyed the room. Bonnie's closet doors were hanging open and most of her clothes were gone. Her dresser drawers were open and mostly empty. He saw a piece of paper taped to the closet door where he could see it from the bedroom door.

Aaron slowly walked to the closet and pulled the paper from the door. Aaron read the note and felt sorrow, loss, then almost immediately a deep surge of anger. Bonnie had written, "Aaron I don't know when you will find this note. For my sake, I really hope it is quite a long time but perhaps it won't be. I know this is a dirty thing to do to you but I just can't face the future with you now. We scrimped and saved so we would have a pleasant retirement, so we could travel and enjoy life after you retired. Now, almost before the good times begin you become ill and they are ended.

"Aaron I am so sorry but I just can't face caring for you, waiting on you hand and foot as your illness turns you into a helpless invalid before you die. If you haven't been served yet you soon will be. Aaron I am divorcing you so I can enjoy the rest of my life. Over the last several days while you have been sleeping I have taken all I want from our house. I have taken everything from the brokerage accounts and most of the amount in our bank accounts. That is all I want. I know I could get some of your retirement but that would mean I should give you some of the money and investments. I feel it is fair I get the investments since I am not asking for any of your monthly retirement. Our little house is not worth much so I have signed a quit claim deed on my half for you.

"Good bye Aaron."

Aaron walked slowly to the bed and sank down to sit on it. He had no idea how long he sat there before he slowly, carefully made his way down to the office. Just to check he logged onto the computer and accessed their brokerage and bank accounts. There was at most two month's normal living expenses left in the bank. None of the stocks and bonds remained in the brokerage. Aaron knew his share of his medical expenses would be in the neighborhood of $25000.00 to $40000. He had no idea how he would pay for them.


Surviving Adversity



Late that afternoon Aaron heard the doorbell. When he answered the door he was served divorce papers. After the process server left Aaron walked slowly back to his office and sat to read the papers. At first he was just going to sign them then his anger surged once more. He decided he would be damn if he would just roll over for the bitch. How could she do this to someone she had promised to love for her entire life, to be married to 'for better or for worse, through sickness and health, forsaking all others until death do us part'?

Monday morning shortly after eight Aaron picked up the phone and called his old office. He asked for one of his old work companions, one of the staff attorneys. When he told him what he wanted his friend was horrified, he quickly became angry and said, "Dammit Aaron. I can't believe that bitch could do that to you. I'm not a divorce attorney but I took a lot of family law classes school. If you want me to I will represent you for free. I want to get that bitch almost as much as you do."

Aaron trusted Thomas and quickly agreed to his offer. He had been worrying how he would pay for an attorney and his medical care. Thomas agreed to come to Aaron's home that evening and look over the petition for divorce and proposed property settlement. 

When Thomas arrived, he and Aaron visited, catching up with each other and office gossip before they began talking business. Thomas reviewed the paperwork then asked Aaron what he thought about it and what he wanted to see happen.

"I just don't know. I suppose I am still in shock. I knew she was upset because we had to cancel our plans this winter. She seemed to resent having to care for me when I got back from the hospital but this was just such a shock I can't seem to think. I didn't even see this coming. From the time the doctor gave me his diagnosis until this hit me I have just reacted. I almost quit doing the things I did to keep up the place. I did a little research on the cancer but otherwise I just...Hell, I don't know what I did. I seemed to be living in a fog. I read a lot but many times I just found myself sitting, not even seeing what I was looking at. I paid attention to Bonnie, ya know but at the same time I just never noticed...Oh, I knew she was upset and she was sharp to me but I thought it was from worry and tiredness. I guess now it was because she was upset over having to care for me and losing or thinking she was losing her pleasant retirement. I just can't believe she would do this to me, to us though. I thought I knew her better than that. I thought she was a better person than that."

Aaron laughed and continued, "Hell, even now I can't wrap my mind around this shit. I mean I have or had Cancer? Crap, it just doesn't seem real to me right now. I haven't reached the anger phase everyone seems to hit when they find out bad shit like this. I'm still in shock I guess. Hell, I don't know. I'm just now getting pissed at Bonnie for what she's done but even that doesn't seem real somehow ya know? I'm scared but at the same time I'm not terrified. I just seem to be floating down life's river letting the current take me wherever it will. I just need to get this shit out of the way so I can live what life I have left."

Tom sat for a moment after Aaron finished his spiel. He knew Aaron was shocked, was dealing with a lot but he was surprised in a way at how Aaron said he felt. Finally he shook himself slightly and said, "Well, I suppose we need to get back to the things I can help you with on the divorce first. I know you need to talk things out and I'm willing to listen and help if I can. We really need to address this divorce issue first though before she rapes you in the proceedings. Unless this house is worth a bundle I think she took way more than her share of the investments. Discounting the moral, the ethical issues here that is just a shitty thing to do to someone in your situation. Just a minute here." Thomas grabbed his notebook computer. "What is your monthly pension? Do you know how much she took from the investment accounts and bank?"

Aaron told him the pension amount and showed him the most recent bank and brokerage statements. Thomas began entering data into his computer. He worked for several minutes then leaned back and said, "I have computed the present value of your pension based upon your new life expectancy considering your current health. Based on that, an estimated value for your house and the balances in your other accounts it looks like Bonnie has tried to make off with about two thirds to three fourths of your assets.

"I think we need to counter file and make a counter offer on the property distribution. Why don't we ask for you to keep your pension and you give up rights to her pension when she becomes eligible for it? We can then ask for all current bills to be paid before distributing investment and bank balances then a 50/50 split of all accounts and the value of the house."

Aaron looked around then replied, "That seems fairer to me but you know I really don't want this house. I either want her to take it or for us to sell it. I had been trying to get her to let me buy a small acreage on the river with a little cabin on it to move to. I think I will try to purchase that now. It's just downstream from the old mill a half mile or so. I guess it's no more than three quarters of a mile out of town. I could fish from my property and watch the stream flow past while I'm home if I owned it. It's set up on a bluff and very secluded and private. It's only about half the size of this house too. Let's fuck with her and ask for three fourths of the remaining value after bills are paid up to date."

Ok, I'll get on this tomorrow and as soon as I get the paperwork done I'll counter file. We need to know where she is so she can be served. Do you know where she went?"

"No and I haven't talked to the kids to see if they know. Wouldn't her attorney know that?"

"Yeah but I might have trouble getting the information from him." Aaron and Tom talked late into the night before Tom left. Aaron was tired enough he went to bed and slept well in spite of the pain he still had from his surgery.

The next morning Aaron couldn't make himself stay at home for his morning coffee. In spite of the fact he was not supposed to drive yet he went over to the Old Mill for his morning repast. After he walked into the room the door slammed closed with a tinkle from the cow bell hung on it. Cheryl Ross looked up from the range and smiled. She yelled, "Good morning Aaron. What'll it be today? Where's Bonnie?"

"Just coffee right now Cheryl. I just got sick of my own company and decided to come down here for coffee this morning." Cheryl looked at him strangely when he said that but didn't comment further. She knew Bonnie was retired and was surprised she was not with Aaron.

Aaron slowly walked up to one of the tables with a vacant chair and sat with the men already there. He grimaced from the small surge of pain as he moved. After greetings the group continued their conversation. Aaron sat and listened, making a comment occasionally. Finally Jim Ross, Cheryl's husband, asked from another table, "Aaron you seem upset today. You're not feeling bad again are you? I'm surprised Bonnie let you out alone."

"No, no I feel as well as I have in weeks. I'm getting stronger and the surgery hurts less every day." Aaron sighed and looked around the room. He continued, "Bonnie left me a couple of days ago. Guess I had just as well tell ya all. It'll be pretty obvious soon when she isn't seen around. She filed for divorce and I was served Saturday."

Cheryl almost screeched when she exclaimed, "WHAT? My God Aaron what brought that on? I thought you were very happy together?"

"Yeah, so did I. She told me she didn't want to be tied down to a potential cripple. She said we had always planned to travel and enjoy our retirement and just because she thought I would not be able to travel any longer was no reason why she couldn't. She left me to begin her travels I suppose. I have no idea where she is. I suspect the kids do but they are very careful to not let me know. Hell, she even changed her phone number so I can't call her—not that I really want to."

After appropriate comments of sorrow and shock the conversation moved on rapidly. No one wanted to make Aaron feel worse by harping on his bad luck. In a way though that morning's conversation was a good thing for Aaron. Word of his plight spread around the community like wildfire. As soon as his plight became known Aaron began to receive visits from his friends and neighbors. After it became common knowledge around the area that Bonnie had ran out on Aaron as soon as he became ill her reputation was ruined in the area. 

The first indication Aaron had that he had become a sought after commodity occurred two days after his visit to the café. He was sitting in his backyard enjoying the evening when Traci Douthitt came walking around his house. She was carrying a picnic basket. "Hello Aaron," she said. I heard Bonnie left you and I remember how painful it is to get around right after surgery. Since you have no one to cook and clean for you now I thought I would make you a little something so you don't have to be on your feet as long." 

That was the beginning of his seduction by the older women. The next day Doris Smith came over. She had a fresh baked cake for him. She insisted on cleaning his house before she left that afternoon. Almost every day at least one older woman came to his house to either help or to bring him some food.

The women prepared meals for him and offered to clean or drive him until he could do so for himself. Aaron gratefully but grudgingly accepted their help. Three weeks after Bonnie left Aaron's health had improved enough he could do much of his own work and drive himself places once more. He began to try and wean the women away. When they accepted the fact he could now care for himself in most ways he began to receive invitations from the local widows to accompany them to the Senior Center dances or to come to their homes for meals. He resisted, insisting he still needed his solitude and he wanted to stay close to home because he still tired easily.

In all this time, his children were careful to not tell him where their mother was. He quit asking for her address and refused to listen to them when they tried to tell him anything about her. He did all he could to not drag them any deeper into his troubles. One day shortly after he was able to drive once more Aaron went to his son's home. He knew his son and wife would be at work.

Aaron used the key he had for emergencies and went into his son's home. He spent over an hour searching but he finally found a phone number and address for Bonnie. She had obtained a new cell phone and even had set up a different e-mail address in order to better hide from Aaron. 

Aaron called Thomas that evening and gave him the information. Three days later Bonnie called Aaron and lit into him. She was beyond angry. She was livid, so angry she could hardly talk and was hyperventilating. "You fucking asshole," she said. "How could you even dare to think this counter proposal is fair? You either accept my proposal or I'll see your ass in court. I'm not going to give up my future for you or any other damn man."

As many divorces do this one drug on. Both Aaron and Bonnie became angrier at each other as things progressed. They could not agree on anything. Finally the case came before the judge. She heard both sides of the case and considered the evidence. You could see she was angry as she listened to testimony and questioned Aaron and Bonnie. Finally, about eleven a.m. she banged her gavel and said, "I am going to retire to chambers and think about this case. Court recessed until one p.m."

It was almost ten after one when the Judge returned to the courtroom. She sat and looked at first Aaron, then Bonnie. She said, "I thought I had seen everything in my career as an attorney and Judge but I was wrong. I have seen families fight over money. I have seen abuse and outright theft from one family member by another but I had never seen such cold callous disregard for one spouse by another until today. It is bad when a couple divorces for financial reasons when one goes into a nursing home. But for you Mrs. Talkington to just walk out on your husband before he is even able to care completely for himself after major surgery and then try to take almost all of the family savings is just too abhorrent to countenance. You made almost no effort to see he got back on his feet. You did not wait to see if he could resume a normal life with you. You only cut and ran to try and preserve your luxurious future.

"I have decided to grant the divorce to Mr. Talkington. I will not accept either version of the settlement agreement. I order all Mr. Talkington's health care costs be paid from joint assets through the end of the divorce waiting period. I further order you each keep all your individual pensions. Mrs. Talkington, since you thought the ¾ split of resources was fair, I so order that split." 

Bonnie had been looking angry during the lecture and upon hearing they were going to have to pay medical bills from their joint account until the divorce became final. She began to smile when the Judge said she was accepting the ¾ property split.

The Judge began talking once more and continued, "I hereby order Mrs. Talkington to immediately transfer the entire investment account into court supervised trust until such time as the amount of medical bills can be determined. At that time said bills may be paid either from joint bank accounts or by liquidation of some of the investments. Any other bills incurred jointly through the date of separation are to be paid from the joint funds also. The remainder of the investments and the value of the bank accounts as of the day of separation are to be distributed in the ratio of ¾ to Mr. Talkington and ¼ to Mrs. Talkington."

Bonnie screamed and said, "You can't do that! I worked all my life for that money. We went without vacations and scrimped and saved so we could live well after we retired. I deserve more than a quarter of it."

The Judge banged the gavel and demanded quiet. She said, "Mrs. Talkington. If you cannot control yourself I'll hold you in contempt of court. You may have worked and saved during your marriage and done without some things you might have wanted but I cannot in good conscience let you walk over this man when he did nothing wrong. You, ma'am, have done something morally reprehensible and have tried to take advantage of a sick man, one who did nothing to you other than become ill. You deserve a penalty and this is it. Had you split in better circumstances and made a more reasonable proposal perhaps a different settlement would have been more reasonable. In my opinion that is not the case." The gavel banged down once more and the Judge continued, "Case Closed."

Aaron and Thomas were standing outside the courtroom visiting when Bonnie and her attorney exited. She glared at him and started past then stopped. Her attorney tried to pull her away but she shook him off and said, "You selfish bastard. I needed that money to have a good life. It could have made things better for me. All you're going to do with it is spend it on doctors. At least one of us could have still had a good retirement if you hadn't been such a selfish ass."

Aaron felt a surge of anger. He whirled toward Bonnie and started to respond when each attorney pulled their client farther apart. Thomas said, "Easy there hoss. You won. Just let it go and move on."

"Yeah, I know but..." Aaron shook his head and continued, "You know I thought I knew her. I would have trusted her with anything, hell; I did trust her with it all. I just wonder when she changed or if I just didn't really know her at all. Now I remember times in our marriage when she showed this selfish side and I would give in. Usually it was when she wanted to buy something I didn't want to spend the money on or when she would insist on a more extravagant vacation than we had initially planned. Looking back I can see where the seeds for her treachery had lain dormant for years. I just can't believe she would have done something like this though."

As soon as the divorce was granted Aaron purchased the small acreage and cabin by the old mill. He had moved from the house he shared with Bonnie after he purchased the small cabin and acreage. Aaron rented the house to a young newly married couple. He agreed to let their first six months rent count toward a down payment so they would have enough down to obtain the loan if they decided they wanted to purchase the house in the future.

Days passed and Aaron became stronger and stronger. He spent most of his days either landscaping or caring for the property, fishing, sitting in his back yard or laying in his hammock watching the stream flow past. His new home was secluded enough he took to wandering around the house and yard nude. He found he really loved the feeling of freedom that gave him. The summer sun felt wonderful on his body as the heat baked him and warmed his cold bones. He loved the way the cool breeze caressed his bare skin cooling him with the coolness it picked up from the river. 

Almost every day he went either to the mill or Steelville for coffee in the morning. Many days he would also go out for a small lunch. He usually went to the Old Mill because it was only a half mile from his new home and he could walk. Since he needed exercise he would just walk there and back.

Evenings he either prepared a light supper or ate food one of the older women in the area brought him. He never wanted for companionship. In fact, many times he wished he could hide from the women so he could enjoy his privacy. Aaron found he was a very desirable commodity—he was a male with reasonable income, single and not too decrepit to do things with the women. They flocked to him like bees to honey. After he had lived in the cabin for several weeks he finally let the women and his friends Jim and Cheryl Ross talk him into going to the Senior Center dances in Steelville. Now that was an eye opening adventure for sure!

The first time he attended a dance he rode over with Jim and Cheryl. Just before they entered the building Jim said, "Aaron I don't know how much you know about these dances but I want to warn you about them. There are several couples like Cheryl and me but there are a whole lot more single people here. Single women outnumber the men about six or seven to one. Some of the single men who do come either don't dance or don't get around too well. That makes men like you who get around pretty well a very sought after commodity."

Jim Ross grinned and continued, "I don't know if you are interested or not but if you need a little lovin' it's pretty easy to hook up with one of the ladies here if you haven't already. This place is a little like Las Vegas. You know, what happens at the dance stays at the dance. Mostly we don't know what goes on or at least we pretend we don't. There are a couple of the ladies you need to watch out for though. Doris is a skank. She's a nice person to talk to but, well, she's pretty promiscuous and doesn't...well, she may have more than one man a night and she isn't too careful about diseases. Lorraine is almost as bad but from what I hear she does use condoms. Most of the rest of the ladies are just looking for companionship although if they like you enough some of them will take you home after a few dates."

Aaron was shocked when Jim told him about the women. Almost all the names Jim mentioned were women that had been to his house more than once. Doris had been there about three times a week and had made some suggestive comments he now realized were probably meant very seriously. Many of the women who had helped him out were there just to do that though. They would visit, clean, bring him a small dish or even a full plate meal but visited as friends rather than women hunting for a man.




Surviving Adversity



Aaron felt overwhelmed by the evening. The meal was served first. The dance began after the tables had been cleaned and pushed back so there was a large dance floor. Aaron sat at first and watched the action. After about thirty minutes women began to come up and ask him to dance. He agreed to a few dances and found himself enjoying the evening. He still tired easily so sat many dances out. He enjoyed visiting with the people he knew and made several new acquaintances. He found many of the women very pleasant to converse or dance with. Most of the men were friendly but there were a couple assholes as there are in any crowd. 

During one of the band's breaks George Jackman came up and sat at the table with him. George grinned and said, "Well, you're getting a good work out here tonight. It's always that way when a new man shows up. All the women want to get his attention as soon as they can. The rest of us single guys are sure glad you're here. They wear us out before the evenings over and then, if ya get lucky you get even more tired before ya get to go to sleep. Anyway, welcome. Hope ya come back next time."

As time progressed Aaron became, if not happy, content with his new life. He still harbored a fear that his cancer would reappear. His first yearly colonoscopy and CT scan came up clear. He breathed a little easier. The next dance many of his friends could tell he was happier than he had been. By now Aaron had become a regular at the dances and he had his favorites among the women. He found many willing partners for sex and just for companionship. He was enjoying his life more every day but he still thought about travel and Florida in the winter.

Finally, after almost a year the small house he and Bonnie owned sold. Since Bonnie had given a quit claim deed on it at least Aaron did not have to talk her into accepting the low price he finally negotiated for it. The young couple who had been renting it bought the house after he agreed to take almost 20% below assessed value just to get rid of it. They had made the first and only offer received. Aaron was afraid he would not receive another offer for a long time if he did not accept theirs. Aaron felt good about doing the deal also. They were a very nice young couple and he got great pleasure being able to help them achieve the American Dream and own their own home.

By the time Aaron had been cancer free for almost three years he began to regain his confidence and plan for the future once again. He still had fear with every test but was as strong as he had been before his ordeal. He was several thousand dollars poorer because of medical expenses and the divorce but he still had a tidy little nest egg in the bank and investments. He was beginning to think about taking some of the trips he and Bonnie had wanted to do but he didn't want to go alone. At least here in Wilsons Mill he had friends he could visit with. Many of them were almost as close as family. He and his children still visited but they were not as close as before the divorce.

Aaron had become very close to four of the women he had met by this time. Of them all he liked Jennifer the best but he felt almost as close to Dawn, her sister and Traci, their cousin. One of their friends rounded out the group of four women. Sally was just a ball of fun all the time. She had gone to school with Jennifer and they had been best friends from kindergarten on. Both had married their high school sweethearts and become widows within a couple years of the same time.

Aaron didn't know how it happened but at some point he began sitting with the four women at all the dances and dancing almost exclusively with them. It was rare any of them danced with anyone else. The women usually refused dance offers from other men and they made it plain they did not like other women asking Aaron to dance with them. One or more of the women visited his home almost daily. Not all at the same time but occasionally they would all appear together or on the same day. Many days one would be at Aaron's home and they would call the others to come visit too. There never seemed to be any strife between the women over Aaron or anything else. They seemed to visit him and each other in any combination. Some nights one or the other of them would stay in his bed. They all pretended not to know he was making love to the others. They all seemed happier pretending to not know he was intimate with anyone but the one he was with at the time.

One day all four of the women were at Aaron's home. They were having a cook out beside the stream. Aaron had done BBQ chicken and the women each brought one of their specialties for the rest of the meal. Aaron leaned back in his favorite chair after they had eaten and said, "I really don't know how to say this ladies but I think it's time for me to begin enjoying my retirement more. I'm tired of hanging around here being afraid my cancer will come back. I want to do some of the things I put on hold while I got well."

The women looked shocked and their glances moved from one to the other, never resting. Finally Jennifer asked with a quiver in her voice, "What do you mean Aaron? I, we all thought you were enjoying yourself. We all seem to have a lot of fun and I thought you were happy." She smiled and continued, "I know you are enjoying most of your nights and we all thought you enjoyed the days too. What are you trying to tell us?"

"Ladies, I have decided to take a little trip. I really don't like the cold here in Missouri in the winter and I want to go to Florida like Bonnie and I planned before she left me. I intend to come back in the spring but I want to be in warmer weather in winter."

The women looked shocked and upset. Finally Traci said, "What about us Aaron? We don't want you to go. We're a." She stopped and looked around then continued, "I don't know what we are but we've been happy since we all became friends. We don't want you to go. We'll miss you and"

Dawn looked around and blushed. She licked her lips and began talking. "What she means is...Oh, hell, let's admit it. We know you're fucking all of us and we don't want to miss out on your loving. We've pretended not to know but damn it I think the entire countryside knows you make love to all of us. Why can't you stay here with us? What's wrong with us anyway?"

"NOTHING. Nothing's wrong with any of you. I intend to come back and I hope we can all be friends and take up where we leave off but I want to go south. I don't want to leave you, hell, I know I'll be damn lonesome down there but I hate the cold and I want to get away from it. I want to swim and lay on the beach or beside the pool and soak up the sun. I want to wear as little as I can get away with and enjoy what time I have left."

The women looked at each other and Traci whimpered, "We thought you WERE enjoying yourself. I'm sorry we don't please you any longer Aaron." Needless to say the party ended, it died with that whimper. The ladies quickly cleaned up and went home. They left a very dejected Aaron sitting in his yard wondering how he could have handled the conversation any differently. None of them even gave him a hug or kiss good bye. For the last several months they had done that every time they left him or he left them whether there was just one of the women with him or more.

Aaron did not see or talk to the ladies for almost a week. He had decided they were done with him and felt a deep sense of loss. He hadn't hurt this badly since Bonnie had left him. It tore the heart out of him and his friends noticed. One morning at the café Jim asked, "Aaron what happened between you and the girls? I haven't seen them with you for over a week now."

"I guess I fucked up Jim. I told them I was planning on going to Florida for the winter and it upset them. I haven't seen them since."

"Well hell, I would have thought they would leap at the chance of spending the winter in Florida. What was their objection?"

Aaron jerked his head in shock as that thought hit him. He had never considered...Could that be part of the problem? They wanted to go and thought he didn't want them to? Hell, he just had never considered they might want to go with him. What would their neighbors think if they just all loaded up and took off together?

Three nights later just after 8 p.m. Aaron heard a car drive up beside his house then four door slams. He felt his heart lift when he considered who it might be. He was already heading for the door when it opened and Jennifer came into the room followed by the other three women. They all looked serious and Aaron felt some trepidation.

Jennifer walked to Aaron and gave him a small hug and gentle kiss on the lips. She stepped aside and the next lady moved to do the same thing. After they had all hugged and kissed him Jennifer said, "Aaron can we talk to you for a minute please?"

"Yeah. Have a chair. I've wanted to talk to you all but I just didn't have the balls to do it. I'm sorry about the other day. I didn't want to hurt any of you. I just want to get on with my life and enjoy some of the time I have left."

"Aaron you did hurt our feelings and I'm sorry we acted like we did. We went to my house that evening and got drunk. At first we thought you were tired of us and wanted to get rid of us. We didn't even go to the dance the other day because we didn't want to see you with your new woman. Yesterday we found out you hadn't gone either and that no one has seen you with another woman since that night. We finally decided we misunderstood what you were saying the other night.

"We have talked and decided we needed to come see you and apologize for the way we acted. We would also like to make a proposal to you."

Jennifer looked around once more and continued, "Aaron we're all adults here and know what we've all been doing when we're alone with you." She smiled and continued, "Hell, you probably suspect we've talked about you. Well, we have and we all think you're the best thing to ever happen to any of us. We also know you DON'T talk about us when you're out with your friends. Not once have we ever heard anything, any rumor that could have come from you talking about our nights together. Oh, we know people gossip about us but its speculation. You hear the same about other women and men after every dance.

"Aaron we want to go with you. We can rent a place with several bedrooms and we'll help with expenses. We've been sharing you and pretending not to know about it now for almost a year. It won't hurt us to live in the same house and know we're sharing you. We'll do it any way you want...We can all be together or one at a time or whatever just please can we go with you?"

Dawn spoke up then. She said, "Aaron we're not, uh, we don't want to sleep with each other but if you want two or even more of us together at the same time we're willing. We just don't want you to think we'll be your entertainment, you know, girl on girl?"

Aaron sat back in his chair. Shock was evident on his face. He licked his lips and thought about what the women were offering. He felt his cock twitch. Did he really want to go down that road? Hell, hadn't he already started down it? He liked all four of the women and had bedded them about the same number of times. They were all wonderful lovers and they seemed to get along well together. If he let them go with him he would not be lonesome when he got to Florida.

"I may be crazy but I'm willing to try this if you are. I think you need to think about what you're proposing though. You know if you go with me what people around here will say don't you? Do you really want to get that kind of reputation?"

Sally smiled and said, "No, we don't want a reputation as sluts but I sort of think we may have the beginning of one anyway. It's pretty common knowledge we are all dating you. I'm sure a lot of people already think you are doing all of us so what's the deal. Besides, we wouldn't be the first group of people around here that live together. Besides that, if we are careful when we leave no one will have to know for sure we are all in Florida together anyway."

"Fine, but I think you should know I don't plan to live a typical life down there. I have always worked on an all over tan when I am in a place where I can. You've just been lucky you haven't caught me naked when you come here to visit. So far I have been lucky and heard your car soon enough I could get some clothes on before you saw me. If the temperature is right I don't wear clothes in or around my home and I really hadn't planned to do so down there. I intend to rent a place where I can sun bathe nude."

The women looked slightly shocked. They looked at each other for a moment and three of them blushed. Aaron thought that was humorous because they had all been naked with him when they made love. He thought it was funny just the thought of walking around nude and nude sunbathing and swimming embarrassed them.

Traci licked her lips and said, "It may take some getting used to but I think we can live with that. In fact, you might be surprised at some of the things we do too. I know Sally and I sometimes tan nude. I think that might be fun down there if we can find a private enough place. So, are we on?"

Aaron agreed they could come with him and they began making plans to go. It was decided they would leave as soon as they could find a place to rent that would accommodate the four women and Aaron.

It was more difficult than they thought to find a rental that filled the requirements of privacy and had the requisite number of bedrooms and pool. Finally they found the perfect house and agreed to the $3000.00 monthly rental. It was farther from the beach than they would have liked but beggars couldn't be choosers. It was a little over a quarter mile from the beach. They did have a nice walking path to get there however. Aaron and Jennifer took their bicycles to ride. The other three ladies decided they would purchase bikes when they got to Florida.

The friends had been in Florida almost three weeks when their playing in the pool was interrupted by the doorbell ringing. Jennifer was closest to the stairs out of the pool area so she put on a robe and went in to answer the door. About ten minutes later she came back to the pool area carrying a business card.

"Hey guys. I have a woman out front that wants to clean our house for us. She only wants six dollars an hour and is willing to do as much or as little as we want. I know we don't make too large a mess but I really don't like housework that much. I'd be willing to pay my fair share if we could hire her. If all five of us pay her and she comes once a week for five hours a day it would only cost us $6.00 a week each. What do you say?" 

The friends looked at each other and almost as one they agreed to the deal. Aaron did say they needed to be sure she was on a set schedule so they would all be dressed when she was present. Jennifer went back into the house and told the woman she was hired. She arranged for her to begin the next day.

The woman was working under a business name of Bonnie's Home Services. Jennifer did not mention the name at the time she hired her. The next morning Aaron and Sally were still in bed when the cleaning lady arrived. She began working in the kitchen as soon as she arrived. The noise woke Aaron and Sally. They wandered out of the bedroom and onto the pool deck through the door from the Master Suite. Neither had on any clothes. They had forgotten they were to have a cleaning lady in that morning. They joined the other three women around the pool. Just as Jennifer began to warn them they had an outsider in the house the maid came out to ask a question.

Bonnie took several steps toward the group of people near the pool and stopped in shock. At first she was shocked by the fact two of them were nude then she became horrified when she recognized Aaron. She screeched, "Aaron? What are you doing here?"

Aaron and the women turned toward the house and he felt his face burn. He wasn't sure if it was anger or embarrassment but his face was as hot as if he were sunburned. He clenched his jaw then said, "I live here Bonnie. How did you find me and what do you want this time?"

"Nothing. I mean, I work here. I..."

Jennifer jerked her head around when she heard Aaron and Bonnie talking. She pulled her hand to her mouth and gasped, "Oh, my God! I'm so sorry honey. I didn't even think about...I mean I didn't know this was your ex wife."

Aaron laughed and said, "Yeah, this is the selfish bitch that took off and left me just five days after I got home from my surgery. I guess you're not living the good life you expected are you Bonnie?"

Bonnie was standing there crying and shook her head no. Dawn walked up to her and wrapped her arm around the crying woman. She gently led her to a chair beside the patio table and insisted she sit. All the women and Aaron were looking at Bonnie with disgust and a little anger.

After Bonnie got herself under control Dawn said, "Bonnie I think you need to leave now. You've been here about an hour. I'll pay you for that time OK?"

After Bonnie left the women were subdued. Aaron was lost as he relived the worst time in his life. He had thought he was over Bonnie's treachery but when he saw her his anger and hurt feelings came back with a vengeance. Aaron walked over to one of the chairs beside the pool and sat staring into the distance as he relived the hurt that had come surging back when he saw Bonnie. Sally went into the house and made a pitcher of Margarita's. 

While Sally was in the house Jennifer stripped and walked up to Aaron. She leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss then sat on his lap. She carefully wrapped her arms around him and leaned against his chest. She laid her head on his shoulder and whispered, "Shhh Honey. Just relax. It's going to be OK."

The other women one by one, came up and gave Aaron a gentle kiss and a caress. When Sally arrived with the Margaritas they gently pulled him from the chair and onto some cushions they had laid in the shade beside the pool. Sally poured and handed each of them a glass of her wonderful Margaritas. There was not much conversation but all the women spoke loudly to Aaron with their actions, their gentle caresses and kisses as they downed their drinks. Slowly Aaron began to feel better. After they had drunk two pitchers none of them were feeling much pain. 

Aaron was lying on his back alternately kissing and sucking a nipple first with Traci then Sally. He felt movement then one of the other two women straddled him. He felt her pull his hard cock up and hold it as she slowly sank down on him. She seated herself fully on him and sighed then rose until the tip was almost out of her very wet hole. All at once she relaxed her muscles and slammed down on him. She moaned then made a small circle with her hips rubbing her clit on his pubic bone. Aaron groaned and thrust back at her. Her movements became more frenzied and demanding as her arousal rose. Finally, after almost ten minutes Jennifer screamed and slammed down on Aaron once more. He felt her cunt squeezing and releasing his throbbing cock as her orgasm shot through her. Aaron began thrusting upward into her as he tried to get his orgasm. Before she even finished coming down from her orgasm Jennifer rolled off Aaron.

Aaron groaned and reached for her trying to pull her back onto his throbbing cock. She only smiled and avoided him. She said, "Unh, Unh. You have more to do honey."

Aaron looked around wildly only to see Donna move over him, grasp his slick cock and guide it into her glistening cunt. As she sank down on him Jennifer moved to him and gave him a deep sensuous kiss. She whispered, "Thank you Honey. That was wonderful. Now enjoy Donna. She needs some of what I got too. I love you." Donna and Aaron finished at the same time. He lay spent with her collapsed on his chest, her cunt still throbbing as she gave him several gentle kisses. All their friends were gently kissing them and caressing them as they came down from their mutual orgasm.




Surviving Adversity



Aaron was allowed to rest a short time then the other two women demanded their turn to ride his cock. After they finished with him all five of the friends lay on the mats for a short nap in the warm shade. They slowly woke and made a trip to the outside shower to clean off the results of their love or lust. First Aaron then the rest of the group walked into the pool where they began floating using their pool noodles. 

The friends began discussing their options and thoughts on Bonnie. Jennifer said, "You know I was really looking forward to maid service. I hate that we ended up with Bonnie but you know this might be a blessing in disguise. I know yesterday when I tried to tell Bonnie we didn't want help she almost cried. She even lowered her price if we would just hire her. I think she is having trouble making ends meet. You should see the car she's driving. I bet its 20 years old and it smokes like a chimney. Why don't we just keep her if she wants to work?

Jennifer looked over at Aaron, smiled and continued, "Besides, if we go back to the way we were living, say, not dressing when she is here we'll either run her off or Aaron can get some payback on her. Don't you think it would really make her think if she sees us all with the man she threw away because she thought he would be a millstone around her neck?"

To his credit, Aaron didn't really want to rub Bonnie's nose in his relationship with the four women. He said, "Jen I'm not sure that would be a good thing to do. In fact it would be cruel. I am still so pissed at her and the pain is still horrible but I can't use all of you like that. It would be treating you like sluts just to get my pound of flesh from Bonnie. On some level I would love to rub her nose in what we have but I don't want to do anything to hurt any of you."

All the women were smiling when they heard what Aaron said. Traci wrapped Aaron in a hug and said, "Oh, Honey thank you for saying that but you don't have to worry. We all know you wouldn't do anything on purpose to hurt us. In a way I agree with you but if we just go on living like we did before we wouldn't be doing that. All we have to do is not make any changes because we have a maid now. I know I was not really looking forward to having to spend a whole day every week fully dressed in my own home." She stopped and looked surprised then continued, "I can't believe I really said that. When you first told us you planned to run around nude I almost didn't come because I thought that was so wrong. Now I find I really love the way I feel when I am naked."

Finally Aaron agreed they could keep Bonnie as a maid if she wanted the job. He said, "Ok, we can keep her on if she wants to keep working for us. Just don't expect me to talk to her or be in the same room with her. It'll be up to one of you to give her instructions and pay her. I don't want anything to do with the bitch. I'm just too angry and hurt for any of that."

Jennifer called Bonnie and talked her into staying on as their maid. For the next month every time Bonnie came to the house to work she felt the pain the women wanted her to feel. She would look out the window at the pool area where Aaron was resting, sunning or swimming. Most of the time at least one woman was doing something intimate with him. Several times she was sure she saw him having sex with one of them in the pool or in the shaded grotto beside it. She was heartbroken and knew it was all her fault.

Finally at the end of the month when Jennifer was paying her Bonnie asked, "I know it's none of my business but...Well, are you ALL with Aaron? I mean, I've seen you all kiss him and you let him touch you intimately. None of you wear clothes and...Well, how can you do something like that? Which one of you is with Aaron anyway? I know I shouldn't watch you but when you do things outside beside the pool and I'm here..."

Jennifer laughed and said, "Oh, yeah! That man's the best thing that has ever happened to us. After you left he almost died from neglect and sorrow. Most of the widows in the area made it a personal project to take care of him. They all wanted to snag him. Some of them wanted him permanently and some just wanted to borrow him but most of them made a run at him. Somehow my sister and I, our cousin Traci and my best friend Sally managed to become his special friends. Hell, we just flat pushed our way into his life and pushed the other women who wanted him out.

"Sometimes he has trouble taking care of more than two of us in a day but even without the sex we'd want to be with him. He's so special and he treats us like goddesses. I think we all love him but he has said he will not choose one of us over the others. If we can only have a part of him that's what we'll take. I really don't know how you could have thrown someone as wonderful as Aaron is away."

Bonnie took her money and turned to leave. She was sniffling and said, "I know. I was just so devastated when he got the cancer. I felt like my life was ending with his. I watched my father wither away from cancer and I saw what it did to my mother. I just couldn't stand the idea of working myself to the point of exhaustion taking care of him like Mom did Dad. I knew the deductibles for the insurance would take most of the money we had saved to live the good life when we retired. I was selfish. I wanted the fun in the sun we had always dreamed of and I tried to take it. I also didn't want to end up like my mother. By the time my father died she was worn out and bankrupt. I just couldn't face that and I guess I panicked and ran."

Bonnie laughed in embarrassment and continued, "I guess I got what I deserved. The Judge was a hard ass and raped me in the divorce settlement. When I got down here to Florida I barely had enough to make ends meet. Even with my pension from my work I had to find a job to get by. There are too many old retired people down here wanting to work to help make ends meet for us to all find a good job. The economy down here is still in a recession and there are way too many people chasing after way too few jobs. All I could find was a cheap roach trap apartment and this part time cleaning work. I guess I got what I deserved. I see it's been almost four years now and Aaron's doing well. I'm just barely getting by. He was always a survivor and I just forgot that. Hell, every tight space he ever got into he finally turned it to his advantage and came out of it smelling like a rose. I just knew 'The Big C' would be too much for him but I was wrong about that too wasn't I? Hell, he dumped a selfish bitch and ended up with what seems like four very nice ladies to take care of him. I guess he's done it again hasn't he?"

The rest of the winter went on as it had started. Aaron and his girls relaxed loved and enjoyed the sun and climate of Florida. Bonnie continued to work for them and contemplate what she had lost. Many evenings she returned home to her old dark apartment and compared how she was living to how Aaron was living. Finally near the end of March Jennifer called to Bonnie as she was leaving one evening. "Bonnie I need to talk to you for a minute please."

Bonnie became worried at the tone of Jennifer's voice. She turned and walked up to Jennifer. She averted her eyes from the naked woman after looking her in the eye for a moment. Even though she had spent every Thursday working in their home with them naked she still could not look at a naked woman for any length of time without feeling discomfort and embarrassment.

Jennifer watched the expression on Bonnie's face and felt some sorrow. She took a deep breath and said, "Bonnie we're going home next weekend for the summer so Thursday will be the last day we will need you. We plan to come back next year so if you are interested we can probably use you again though."

Bonnie felt some fear at that. She didn't have many customers and the money she was getting from Aaron and his sluts (she knew she shouldn't but that was the way she thought of them) meant the difference between eating hot dogs and macaroni or hamburger and some vegetables that were better for her. They had raised her pay to $50.00 per week and she didn't know how she would replace that income.

Bonnie said, "Oh. I knew you would be leaving soon. Thanks for letting me know. I suppose I'd better go now."

Jennifer reached out and touched Bonnie's arm as she began to turn away. "Bonnie I know you don't like us much and you don't approve of the way we are living. I'm sorry for that but we don't hold it against you. I wish you were doing better but..." She took a deep breath and continued, "We all make some bad decisions in our lives and I guess this was one of yours. I am sorry. We have talked with the management company that leases this house and given you a recommendation. They have promised us that if any of their lessees ask about maid service they will give them your card. In spite of your feelings you've done a good job for us in spite of how you feel about us and we appreciate that."

"I don't...What do you mean? I've never..."

Jennifer smiled and said, "Oh, we all know you don't approve of what we are doing with Aaron. We know you think we're a bunch of old sluts and that's your right. At least you've not said anything to us about how you feel. Truthfully, we really don't care and at some time in the past most of us would have thought the same thing if we had seen someone live like we do now. We heard you telling your ride a time or two about us. It hurt when we heard it but I suppose we deserve it."

Bonnie was embarrassed and she blushed. "I'm sorry Jennifer. I've tried not to make waves. At first I wanted to give you all a piece of my mind but I needed the job so badly I kept it bottled up inside. I don't know how you can live like this but if you want to it's your right. I didn't mean to hurt you. And thanks for telling the management company about me." Bonnie gave a quick smile and turned closing the door behind her.

The five friends found the next week went past faster than they wanted yet slower than they wanted. They were all ready to get back home but they would miss the life they had been living. They were all gardeners to some degree and wanted to get to their yards and, truthfully they all wanted to get back to Aaron's little slice of heaven alongside the river. The pool and hot tub here in Florida were great but they all loved the quietness of the tree shaded yard and riverbank at Aaron's.

The drive back to Missouri in Aaron's truck was long and uncomfortable even taking three days as they did. They were all excited when just at dusk they pulled into Aaron's yard and began to unload. They had a quick meal and were quickly ready for bed. Jennifer spent the night with Aaron and Dawn and Traci shared the sleeper sofa. Sally used an inflatable queen sized air mattress that was normally used in the yard or stream.

None of the group slept all that well. They were all up just before 7 a.m. The morning was brisk but they all took their coffee onto the front porch to watch the world wake up and begin moving. The trees were almost fully leafed out and the sun was shining through them making the dew on the grass glisten. Birds were singing and flitting around.

Sally groaned and said, "I'd forgotten how uncomfortable that air mattress was. I sure miss my nice warm bed in Florida. 

Dawn grinned and said, "Don't feel all alone girl. I don't think Traci and I slept much better than you did. Nothing we can do about it though. I'll sure miss our mornings together now though. I really enjoyed all of us getting together...Hell; I'll miss being with you all day long. I'm already lonesome just thinking about being at home alone all day and spending the night, well the evening alone."

Jennifer looked around the group and said, "Me too. There ought to be something we can do about that. I've got the largest house and it only has three small bedrooms or I would say some of ya could live with me." She grinned and continued, "Course if one of us spent the night with Aaron the other three could use my three bedrooms..."

Dawn grinned and said, "Great! The three of you move in together and I'll move in with Aaron then we'll all have someone with us all the time and someone to spend evenings, mornings and nights with."

Sally said, "Whoa there girl. What makes you think you get to move in with Aaron? I thought we agreed to share him."

Aaron was sitting with that deer in the headlight look. He didn't know how to defuse the situation but he thought the ladies were getting seriously upset with each other. He said, "Hold on there. I know what you mean. I have been dreading this part of getting home too. We need to think about this and figure out some things. One of the things we need to think about is what the neighbors are going to think and say about you all if you keep spending nights here with me. They know we are good friends and I'm sure they suspect we are more than friends but do you really want to do something to let them know..."

Sally replied, "Well, I for one really don't care too much. We're friends and spend a lot of time together. What they want to think is their business as long as they don't make any nasty remarks about us. Besides, if we were all together they might even think it was just for economic reasons. Who in their right mind would think you could keep up with four hot women anyway?"

Traci looked around the yard and sighed then said, "I really don't want to go back to Steelville and my dinky little duplex. Going back there after Florida will be bad enough but I would really rather be out here. If you had more room I would suggest we bring some beds out and all of us live here with you Aaron."

Aaron looked around the yard and leaned back in his seat. "You know that might not be too bad an idea. We could partition the garage into two small bedrooms to take care of two of you. I have the unfinished upstairs that has room for two more beds. All the rooms would be small but I think I could afford to do that if you all wanted your own rooms out here. I hate to spend the money and tear up the cabin but I think I could even swing adding a bathroom for the two garage rooms. There's already a half bath upstairs."

The women's faces blazed forth with happy smiles and they began chattering about the possibilities. Jennifer said, "Come on Girls. Let's start breakfast and talk about this."

Aaron started to rise and follow them but Sally pushed him back into his chair and said, "Let us take care of this right now. I'll bring you more coffee in a minute."

During the meal preparation the women talked about the idea Aaron had and discussed whether or not they wanted to move to his place permanently or just have their own room there. Jennifer and Dawn owned the house they lived in but Sally and Traci rented their homes. They decided it made sense for them to give up their rental units and move. The two sisters didn't like the idea of them living with Aaron without them. Finally Jennifer and Dawn decided if he would allow it they would move into his house too and rent their home to someone else.

During breakfast the five friends discussed the idea and began to make plans. Dawn and Sally didn't have much money in the bank but they insisted they be allowed to help pay for the refinishing of the upstairs and garage. They said what they saved in rent would more than make up for the costs. All the women insisted they split the expenses five ways after they moved in just as they had in Florida.

Jennifer said, "Aaron, Dawn and I intend to help pay for some of the renovations also. The rent we get from our home will soon allow us to recover our costs also and that way we can keep you from wasting your savings on our rooms."

None of the women wanted to go home that day. They busied themselves measuring Aaron's little cabin and garage then they began drawing up plans and listing things they wanted done during the remodel. 

Late that afternoon the four women crawled into Jennifer's car that had been stored in Aaron's garage and returned to Steelville. During the drive, Dawn was the one who insisted they draw up a different set of plans than the one Aaron had approved. She said, "I don't know about you all but I don't like the idea of Aaron's truck having to sit outside if he turns his garage into bedrooms for us. I think we need to leave it as a garage and build on two new bedrooms and a bath on the other side of the cabin, sort of turn it into a "T" instead of the "L" it is now. I know it would cost more but I think Jen and I can afford to bankroll it. How about if we just get a bid for the renovations Aaron wants and let him pay that much then we have the contractor bid the addition like we want then we pay the difference?"

Traci looked at Dawn in shock and said, "You can't be serious Dawn that's Aaron's home. We can't just make plans to do something like that without his approval. It wouldn't be right. Besides, it would make him furious. I know it would me anyway. I'm game for it if you get him to approve but I don't want anything to do with it if you just do it without his permission."

Finally the ladies decided to get the bids but before they authorized construction they would try and get Aaron to approve the change they proposed. When Aaron heard the proposed change in plans he was upset. He flat refused to let the women make that change and pay for the added work. "No. I can't let you do that," he said. "I don't want to spend that much on this little cabin and I can't let you do it either. It wouldn't be right."

Jennifer felt her anger surge and forced herself back under control. "Aaron Honey we know it's your cabin but don't you see this makes sense? You would be a lot better off having rooms built specifically for bedrooms and would still have your garage too. I don't like to go outside in the rain or cold to get into a cold car or one that's too hot and I know you don't either. This would solve that problem."

"No. I won't do that."

Jennifer looked around at the women and bit her lip. She smiled then and said, "Well how about we do what you wanted and convert the garage but build a nice three car carport where we wanted the extra bedrooms? That wouldn't cost as much and we could then at least have the vehicles in the shade out of the rain or snow."

"OK, I guess I could afford that much."

The friends did much of the work themselves because it was just painting and simple carpentry. They did hire the new bathroom and carport built however. The work was finished just before the 4th of July. After he signed the final payment and sent the builder on his way Aaron collapsed into his chair on the porch. He said, "I'm darn glad that's over with. I am sick to death of wearing clothes all damn day. Now I have my privacy back."

He heard the ladies giggling in the background and turned to look behind him. Jennifer was already totally nude and the others weren't far behind. He grinned and jumped up to doff his clothes. They all then sank down in their chairs with satisfied expressions on their faces. Aaron felt his cock stirring as he looked at four beautiful pussies and eight very nice tits in the semi circle to his left. "Damn I've missed seeing those," he said with a grin.

At the Steelville 4th of July picnic Aaron and some of the Fielding men were visiting over a beer. Charlie, the Veterinarian, grinned and said, "Hey Aaron. What's this I've been hearing 'bout the new roommates you have in your cabin? Some of the ladies at the Senior Center sure are carrying on about you and those four women you been running around with."

"Well, we got to talking about how we were always together and how rough it was for them to go back to Steelville every night. All of them love my place almost as much as I do and they wished they had a nice peaceful place like it. We decided I had the rooms almost all built so why not just let them move into them and we'll live together. It will be a lot cheaper for all of us because we won't be burning so much gasoline or keeping up four households. We decided it would be no different than if we were in a nursing home where we all lived under one roof so we decided to just do it."




Surviving Adversity



Charlie laughed and said, "OK. If that's how ya want to play it that's ok. We've been hearing some rumors about you five though. Some of the kids have been saying they've seen you skinny dippin' a time or two and some of the ladies say they think the three of you were living with those four last winter down in Florida.

"Bonnie told your kids you were all down there together and she worked for you. She said you had lost all your morals after she left and were whoring around."

Aaron jumped from his seat and began pacing as he said, "Dammit I'm getting tired of Bonnie and her crap. Yes, we did share a house last winter in Florida but that's all it was. Just five friends sharing expenses so we could spend the winter in a warm place. I'm sorry now we hired her to clean the house but we were trying to help her out some. I told Jennifer we didn't want her around because she'd try to make waves but she felt sorry for her and talked us into keeping her on."

Jim Fielding raised his hand and said, "Easy Aaron. Charlie was just yanking your chain. It's none of our business what the five of you do. As far as we're concerned it doesn't matter. We, hell, most of the people in the area like you all and don't really care what you do. If you are uh, well, just be a little careful if you do anything because you know how people like to talk. Crap there's two or three men in the area living with more than one woman and folks don't have a problem with it. If it works for you that's fine."

By the end of the summer the local gossips had found others to talk about and for the most part left the five friends alone. It became common to see some or all of them at local functions either together or separately and no one looked askance any longer. They were considered a unit and while people speculated about their sexual activity that was it. Aaron had built a privacy fence for their nude sunbathing around the house and they were more careful while swimming but they still skinny dipped from time to time.

That winter the five once more went to Florida just after Christmas and rented the same house they had before. Aaron didn't want to hire Bonnie again because of her gossiping before but Jennifer talked him into it. He did insist on talking to Bonnie her first day of work however. He said, "Bonnie I didn't want to hire you this year because of your damn mouth and holier than thou attitude. You had no right to contact anyone back home and tell them about how we were living down here. It was not your business or anyone else's. This is your last chance. If you tell anyone about what goes on down here we'll fire you and that will be the end of it. We will tell the management company you gossip and we will recommend they not use you for cleaning."

Bonnie began to cry and said, "I'm sorry Aaron. I called a couple of people right after the first day I was here. I was angry and upset and I wanted to get the low down on you. I felt badly afterward but it was too late. I felt even worse when you all kept me on. You could have turned me away and I wouldn't have blamed you. It won't happen again."

Until Aaron became infirm enough that he had to stop travelling the friends lived together summers in his home and winters in Florida. After he could no longer travel they all lived outside Wilsons Mill together. His children learned to phone when they came to visit so their father and his women could dress for company. When he passed on Aaron gave the ladies Dowry Rights to his place allowing them to live in it until their death before use of and ownership passed to his children. Aaron survived and prospered after two devastating hits that could have ended his life and or his happiness. To his dying day he credited the love and caring of his four new women with making him one of the happiest men alive.