19 comments/ 23263 views/ 4 favorites Till the End of Time By: Ronnie Wachuka 2 May, 1975 "Grace, where am I and what happened?" she feebly uttered as she tried to focus on the woman who softly held her hand. Her neighbor Grace Swanson squeezed her hand as she sought to reply, "Maddie, when the Navy Chaplain and the other officer informed you of Alex's death you fainted. They tried to get you conscious but you didn't respond so they called the ambulance. You're in the hospital for 24 hours for observation." Maddie's stomach suddenly knotted up and the horrible anguish again flooded over her like a great crushing wave as she remembered the past several days. . . 29 April, 1975 Maddie sat in the living room watching the horrible scenes the evening news was displaying on TV. President Ford had ordered the evacuation of Saigon earlier in the day and the news was showing the constant flow of helo's as they loaded up service and civilian personal and flew them out to waiting aircraft carriers, re-fueled, and rushed back to load up again. Suddenly her eyes were riveted to the most horrific sight it was possible to view. One helo paused in flight, plummeted to the ground, and burst into flames. The sight of that crash pushed her to the edge of panic. Her husband Alex was in Saigon and she could only worry and pray that he was safe on board one of the carriers by now. For the next couple of days the horrible memory of that newscast and the worry over Alex kept her distracted to the point of being almost vegetive. . . 2 May, 1975 She suddenly caught sight of something out of the corner of her eye and she shifted her eyes to the curb where a black car with U. S. Navy in white letters on the front door had just pulled up and stopped. When two officers in dress blue uniforms emerged from the back seat she knew that she was about to receive the worst news of her life. Almost frozen with dread and fear she opened the door to admit them. They entered at her invitation, removed their hats, and introduced themselves to her. The officer who had introduced himself as a Navy Chaplain began to intone those terrible words that have brought only despair to the recipients, "The President of the United States regrets to inform you . . ." Her world collapsed as she crumpled to the floor and the last waking thought that flashed through her mind was the knowledge that she had watched her dear Alex die in that fiery helo accident. . . Maddie was brought back to the present by the feel of the ward nurse holding her wrist as she took Maddie's pulse. "Glad your awake ma'am. Your pulse is normal. Can I get you something to drink? I'll let your doctor know your back with us." All of this being said as she turned and headed out the door at a pace that was astonishing for one of her diminutive size The foregoing brought a smile to Grace's lips as she echoed the nurse's comment about getting Maddie something to drink which she gratefully accepted. When the family doctor entered the room 15 minutes later, Grace rose and started to take her departure. At the door she turned to Maddie and asked, "Is there anything you need from the house? Helen (Maddie's other neighbor) will bring it to you this evening." Grace noted her request for clean clothing and underwear, and her makeup kit and retired. As she made her exit the doctor closed the door and took the seat next to her bed. He spoke to her not as a doctor but rather a long time family friend; "Maddie, All of the tests we've run indicate that there is nothing wrong physically, but we'd like you to stay the night so that we can make sure." Maddie protested as firmly as she was able; "Doctor Kastner, I'm alright. I need to go home." "Maddie, I've told you before, I'm Doc or Joel and not Doctor Kastner. I've been yours and Alex's friend and physician for too long for that formality. Maddie, when the Casualty Assistance Officers broke the news about Alex your system tried to protect itself by . ." She quickly cut him off: "You don't understand; When they came to inform me I knew Alex was dead and that I'd watched him die." With this last, the grief again engulfed her and she began to shake and sob, letting the tears flood down her cheeks. The doctor held her hand and softly stroked it to sooth her as best he could until she was at last able to control her emotions. Joel was surprised by her last statement before the eruption and simply asked how she knew. Her reply stunned him. "That helo crash that killed those serviceman was the only event for the next two days in which US service personal died in Saigon, and I watched it happen right before my eyes on the evening news," once again breaking into huge sobs. When she again gained her composure Joel made his pronouncement; "Maddie what you've just said probably explains what occurred. You had two extraordinarily shocking events in a brief span of time and your system simply shut itself down in self protection. This is all the more reason for you to stay here overnight so that we can monitor you to make sure nothing further crops up." With resignation she agreed to stay the night. The good doctor rose, but before departing he remarked, "The Casualty Assistance Officers need to talk to you again as there is much in the way of paperwork that has to be filled out. Since they are attached to the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at Western University this will not be a problem but I've requested that they wait a few days until I know you'll be up to it." As he placed the chair against the wall he asked, "Will it be alright if I notify the head of the Math Department at Western so that the university can begin its own process of taking care of the necessary affairs?" A request she quickly acceded to. The next morning the hospital released her with a clean bill of health as far as her physical being went and Helen Jackson drove her home. As Maddie and Alex had no kin folk other then some very distant cousins in far away places, Grace and Helen spent as much time as possible with her to fulfill the functions that family would normally have taken care of. Several days after her return home she felt up to meeting with the Casualty Assistance Officers and the process began its glacier-like move to resolution. Having delivered the Certification of Death certificates the same process began at Western. All of those days she walked and acted as if she was in a trance, but the nights were horrible as thoughts of past good times, loneliness, and grief swirled through her mind and body like savage tornados, and the tears flowed in never ending torrents. The body of CDR. Alexander Foster (USNR) was finally returned home in its flag draped coffin, escorted by a Navy Commander who identified himself to Maddie as CDR. Frank Johnson, USN. The same minister who'd married Maddie and Alex 6 years earlier in the Presbyterian Church conducted the service at the church with the coffin occupying the same spot near the Altar rail where the two of them had taken their vows. During the service a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace stood outside the church far enough away so as to not interfere with the services but still be faintly heard. The strains of that old hymn had Maddie crying as were most of the congregation. Her tears were thankfully hidden by her heavy black veil. The piper, suitably attired in the uniform and Tartan of the famed Black Watch, preceded the coffin all the way to the grave site following the church service. As the coffin was placed in its cradle by the uniformed pall bearers the piper kept playing as he disappeared into the nearby woods the sound becoming fainter and fainter until it disappeared into the breezes. Following the final pronouncements the honor guard exercised its duty, causing Maddie to wince at each volley. At the conclusion of that, a bugler hidden in the same general direction the piper had taken played Taps. As his sad notes died away a bugler in the opposite direction and further away softly echoed that mournful refrain. The flag was duly folded into a blue starred triangle and presented to Maddie by CDR. Johnson who'd accompanied Alex home. She received it gracefully, but sorrowfully, into her elbow length black gloved hands and softly pressed it to her breast. Following the services everyone returned to the church for "an hour of sharing" prepared and served by the ladies of the church. CDR. Johnson approached Maddie and placed a beautiful small mahogany box in her hand. Opening it she discovered a single silver oak leaf resting on a navy blue velvet lining. The Commander told her that that was how they were able to identify Alex so quickly. He was the only US Navy Commander on that flight and someone removed one of the insignia from the uniform so that Maddie would have a final remembrance. She tearfully thanked him profusely for such a generous thought. Maddie and Frank Johnson had to stay until the end of the reception so that each well wisher could stop by and say a few words to her. She bravely kept her emotions in check so that she could respond appropriately. When the last guest had taken leave, Frank Johnson and the minister escorted her to a black US Navy sedan. She slid into the back seat through the door being held open by a young enlisted Navy driver who stood at attention and held a rigid salute. Frank joined her and they were off, headed for home, with Harry, Grace Swanson's husband at the wheel of their family car, and Helen Jackson trying to calm her huge brood while husband George followed along behind in their family van. At the house Frank escorted her to the door and placing his card in her hand shook it as he softly said; "Anytime you think you need some help you have my card." Stepping back, he snapped to attention, saluted her, turned 180 degrees, and took his leave. She instinctively knew that that salute and his retirement were to indicate that the physical aspects of this sorrowful event were concluded and it was now time to grieve, pick up the pieces, and try to recover at some point. The sun was beginning its red-hewed descent behind the trees as she wearily entered the house. Carefully putting the flag and the mahogany box on the coffee table in front of the sofa, she pulled off her gloves, removed the veiled hat, kicked off her shoes, and moved over to the liquor cabinet to pour what she hoped would be a mind numbing brandy. Seating herself on the sofa, she tucked her long black nylon clad legs underneath her and leaned her back against the overstuffed pillow resting against the black leather armrest. Her eyes were drawn to the flag and the small box and yet, as she sipped the brandy, she wasn't seeing those items. She was seeing a flag draped coffin and as she saw it in her mind's eye it faded and in its place she saw a 24 year old woman with auburn hair in her white wedding dress and veil, bouquet in hand, next to her friend and lover in his white Navy uniform, proudly wearing the black shoulder boards with 2 and 1/2 gold stripes that are the just due of a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR). He was magnificent as he stood there, all 6'6" of him. His curly red hair close cropped in military style, his blue eyes shining, and his huge hand holding hers. A smile crossed her lips as she saw herself standing next to him on that glorious June day in 1969 when she and Alex united in matrimony in front of that old Altar rail and she became Mrs. Madelyn Fitzgerald Foster. She was tall, standing almost 5'11" in stocking feet but standing next to him even in her 2" heels she had a hard time seeing anything but the bottom of the shoulder boards of her huge loving and lovable giant. The vision began to fade as she and Alex walked side by side out of the church between his uniformed mess mates arranged in two lines with raised swords forming a long arch of steel. . . With a start she returned to the present and her eyes once again focused on the flag and box, yet they were hard to see in the rapidly dimming light. "My God," she said aloud. "I've been sitting here for hours." Deciding she wasn't hungry she gathered up the flag and box and headed to the stairs and bed. At the top of the stairs she turned left towards her bedroom. Entering, she reached over to turn a table lamp on as by now darkness had completely blanketed the sky. Placing the flag and box on the bed she moved to the full length mirror and leaning over to her right slightly, she picked up the picture of Alex as a newly promoted Commander (CDR) that sat on the dresser and moved it over next to the mirror. Standing in front of that mirror, for just a second she saw herself on her wedding day as she'dstood in front of this same mirror and her brides maids dressed her in her wedding gown and veil with much giggling and some very naughty and ribald comments. Shaking the thought off she began to remove her "Widow's Weeds." She reached behind her, unbuttoned the long black dress, and pulled it from her body. Standing in front of the mirror in her bra, panties, garter belt, and nylon stockings she saw a 30 year old woman who was now alone and the thought so angered her as it was so unfair, she ripped the bra and panties from her and threw them on the bedroom floor. Bending over to undo the belts from her stockings and rolling the stockings down her long legs caused her heavy pendulous breasts to hang down, rolling, wobbling, and swaying with her body movements. Sitting on the bed to pull the stockings off she could feel her breasts comfortably rest on her thighs. She'd been ashamed of those dangling beauties when she and Alex first made love, but he'd worshipped them. and just couldn't leave them alone. Anytime he could get his big mitts on them he would. Her breasts, her big ass ( Alex always said she had a very sexy ass), and all of her turned Alex into a total pervert, and she loved it. Loved the power her body gave her over her lover, that and the tremendous pleasure he'd always given her as they made love. Standing in front of the mirror once again it struck her like a hammer blow that there would be no Alex to worship and make love to her and pleasure her body ever again. With tears rolling down her cheeks and the utter loneliness tormenting her that only those who've experienced the loss of a loved one can ever know and understand, she rolled down the bed covering, placed the picture of Alex, the flag, and the small box on Alex's pillow and in utter dejection crawled into her prison cell of misery and isolation. Slowly life started to turn into a sad and painful routine. She took several trips to Western to take care of affairs there and to bring Alex's personal possessions home. Because he'd passed his doctoral thesis in Mathematics he'd been tenured in near record time so there were some perks due including a very large insurance policy which he'd been able to purchase because of his status. The problem was the insurance company didn't want to pay off because they claimed his death was war related. The Math department took the matter up with the Law School which after examining the policy, found there was no "war clause" and if the matter wasn't settled, not only would they sue, but they would also recommend that the university take its business elsewhere. The Insurance company settled in short order. Alex had been in the Naval Reserve ever since he'd graduated from Western and had been commissioned an Ensign in the USN Reserve through his courses in the NROTC unit at Western. With his mathematics background he'd found himself in the intelligence branch, more especially in the code and cryptology section. Rising in rank he'd soon found himself teaching his craft to the NROTC Cadets. This largely satisfied his duty requirements except when he traveled somewhere once a year to receive additional training. This specialty was one of the reasons he'd been ordered to active duty and sent to Saigon. The other being the security clearances he'd carried in his records. Navy CDR's are easy to find but CDR's with his training and with the necessary security clearances aren't. The Math Department had graciously given him a one year leave of absence to fulfill his Navy orders. All of the factors had been put in place to put Alex in harms way. As she brought all of Alex's books and things home she stored them in the huge storage area over the garage, a space Alex had always intended to make into a study but had never quite gotten around to. His books and things from the NROTC were another matter. Each item had to be inspected, cataloged, and cleared by a security team before she was allowed to remove them. The boxes, when cleared, were sealed, numbered, and escorted to her car by members of the team. To Maddie it all seemed a little paranoid, but it is equally doubtful that Maddie knew that she'd been investigated before she married Alex and the marriage was only allowed when she was cleared by the powers that be. Maddie was becoming a recluse, though she would have denied it. Other then trips to the grocery store and for such other necessities she required she seldom left the house. The only people she saw were Helen and Grace who made it a point to stop in at least twice a week to look after her. Maddie had even stopped going to the beauty salon and was beginning to look like a 30 year old hag. It came to a head after almost 6 months when Grace and Helen held a council of war. Things could not go on the way they were. After much discussion they decided on their course of action. On a warm Fall day they met Maddie at the side of her pool. The pool was one of the reasons Alex had bought the property, the others being the huge two storied garage and the lovely house with its huge wrap around front porch, built sometime in the 1920's. The reason given to Maddie for the get together was the great idea of three friends sitting by the pool and enjoying the warmth of the sun before the weather turned nasty when the Fall rains and blustery winds would begin. They gathered around the pool side table and after they plied Maddie (and themselves) with several coffees laced heavily with Irish Cream they attacked. Grace said, "It is too early to take a look at social dating, but what in the Hell do you intend to do with your life?" Before she could answer Helen snapped, "If Alex saw what you're doing to yourself you'd have one pissed-off sailor on your hands." They pulled no punches and took no prisoners. They were concerned and also Damn Mad at her for the way she was behaving. Before she could play the poor me card they were on page two of their scheme. It was Graces turn again, "Yes you've gotten enough money to pay off the home and car loans. Yes you have enough to invest but it wont last forever. Why don't you go back to teaching?" She replied in a jerky tone, " I let my certificates lapse after Alex and I agreed that I'd stay home so that we could start a family." This brought them to the last stage of their plan. "Honey," Helen softly put forth, "You are a graduate of Western and a member of the WU Alumni Association. With your credentials and the memory of Alex, it shouldn't be a problem to get yourself re-certified and up to speed again." Helen made up another round of coffees and Irish Cream as Maddie tried to find a way of getting out of it. In her mind a delaying tactic was now called for. "You two are right, I'll start classes in the Winter quarter." The two dear friends had anticipated this and dropped the bombshell in unison. "You are already enrolled and you start Monday," they gleefully shouted. "But I can't," was Maddie's weak reply, "Classes started several weeks ago." "You've been accepted as a delayed entry. You have an appointment at 8:30 Monday with a counsellor at the Graduate Students Office. You're to bring a copy of your transcripts, certificates, and anything else you think you might need, " Grace said with a smug smile. Till the End of Time "You'll also have to work your butt off to get caught up," Helen added with the same smirk. Realizing she was staring at a fait accompli, Maddie surrendered. The rest of the afternoon was spent in girl talk and sipping several more coffees laced with what was left of the Irish Cream. By the time the party broke up all three of the women were heavily into the giggle mode. For the first time in almost six months Maddie slept soundly and peacefully with no nightmares or bad dreams. Monday she met with the counsellor as arranged. After an hour of talking it over it was all arranged. If Maddie wanted to take a full schedule she would have her certification training completed in two quarters. Thinking about her student days and the midnight oil she had burned to keep up with her studies made this a very unappealing course of action. They finally agreed that Maddie would stretch her studies out over four quarters. This would also allow her study time to get caught up in her classes because of her delayed start. Maddie headed for the book store, bought her supplies including a new back pack to carry everything in, and checked into her classes. A student instructor gave her her assignments for the quarter. Rather then disrupt the class, Maddie quietly made her exit and headed for home. That evening, for the first time since that cataclysmic event that forever changed her life she sat down after doing some class work with a glass of her favorite wine and listened to some of her much loved music on the VCR. Not classical as it might depress her, but rather pop songs of the 40's and 50's. Her mind flashed pleasant images of her and Alex dancing to the music, slower and slower, with each song, and each with fewer and fewer items of clothing, until Alex would lay her down on the rug (they were both too tall to use the sofa very often and then only in certain positions) and make love to her and worship her body. The next song on the VCR was Perry Como's rendition of "Till the End of Time." It was a song that they'd made love to many times and as she closed her eyes to savor it she began to imagine Alex making love to her. Funny? Her body was not responding to her thoughts. She was relaxed but her attempt to arouse herself was having no effect. Her last thought on the matter was that it was simply too early in the healing process, but she knew she had made the start as she finished her wine, turned everything off, and retired to bed to sleep through an uneventful night. The next morning Maddie was up and about early. She made her ablutions, did a little studying, packed herself a sandwich and soda in her backpack, and headed off to school. She arrived early as she wanted to turn in several assignments she'd completed the evening before. Looking about she found her seat and lowered her tall frame to the hard, hard seat. "Get used to it lady," she thought, "You did this before and you can do it again." Her thought was interrupted by a younger woman of a height almost equal to her own who was also lowering herself into her chair with much difficulty. They smiled at each other in recognition of shared misery. Class hadn't started yet so they were able to introduce themselves to each other. Maddie learned that her neighbor was Joanna Fry but she preferred Jo. Turning slightly the young woman introduced a young man that truly startled her at first glance. He was almost the size and height of her Alex. Although this young man bore no resemblance to Alex, his size disquieted her for just a second. "Maddie, meet Jacob Fitzgerald, Jacob meet Madelyn Foster who prefers Maddie." The giant leaned forward to shake her hand with a huge smile and said, in what can only be described as a down-east accent, "Pleased to meet you ma'am, but please call me Jake." At that point the class began. At the conclusion of the class the three new found acquaintances agreed to meet under a much loved ancient Oak tree for lunch and then they broke off to hurry to their next class. Maddie really didn't have to stay on campus for lunch as her school day ended the class before the lunch break but Jo Fry and Jake Fitzgerald interested her. She also wanted to try to find out if she and Jake were related as her maiden name was also Fitzgerald. Sitting under the tree with her back leaning against its shaggy trunk she opened her books to do some more of her catch-up work. She was so engrossed in her efforts she failed to see Jo and Jake until they sat down beside her. Startled by the two she gave out a screech which caused the two new arrivals to break into a laugh. Each of the trio pulled a sandwich and soda from their back packs and proceeded to acquaint themselves with one another while they ate. By the time they were finished eating Maddie had learned that both Jo and Jake were in the same boat that she and Alex were in, in that Jo and Jake had no close relatives and the distant cousins that they did have were up in Maine in Jake's case or down in Florida in Jo's. She also learned that Jo lived in the dorm on campus but Jake lived in a small apartment over the garage of Stan Kowalski, a man he worked for, doing heavy construction during school breaks and over the Summer which explained his huge chest, arms, and legs. His muscular mass was apparent even with his loose shirt on. During their lunch she also discovered that the three of them enjoyed the same music. Which gave Maddie an idea. Were she and Jake related? That would have to wait for another day as it was time for the younger couple to get to their next class so they took their leave of Maddie. The idea of Jake living in a garage apartment had also planted an idea in her mind. Walking over to the Math Department she found herself greeted warmly as the staff hadn't seen her since the funeral of their fallen comrade. After answering the usual questions she asked if anyone knew someone at the School of Architecture? The question was soon answered and a phone call made. Maddie stated into the phone that she was looking for someone who wanted to earn extra money by drawing up the plans to convert her garage storage space into an apartment. She was shortly put in contact with a licensed architect who would be happy to do her bidding so they agreed to meet later in the week at her place. With a wave of her arm and many goodbyes she left and headed over to the WU Alumni Office where she bought three sets of season tickets for all of the performing arts and musical productions. Feeling proud of herself she headed home for an afternoon of study and hopefully a Kaffee Klatch with Grace and Helen. That evening she lay on the sofa with her nightly glass of wine listening to the VCR emitting the sounds of Mozart. Her wine glass having been emptied she headed up to bed . . . Sometime in the night she felt Alex softly kiss the nape of her neck as his hand slowly and tenderly lifted and cupped her breast while his thumb softly rubbed the nipple into erection. She could feel his large erect penis pressing into the cleft between the cheeks of her ass and she pressed herself back against it. She finally rolled over on her back so her lover would have access to more of her body. One of his hands moved down towards her pussy as his lips took the now lonely nipple into his mouth. It had been so long since they'd last made love that she could already feel the fluid leaking from her pussy wetting her thighs and her ass. She spread her legs so that the fingers which had been teasing her pussy lips could enter her while his thumb made slow lazy circles across her clitoris. He pushed two of his long thick fingers deep into her and began to rotate them around the walls. He was by now moving to the next stage of their lovemaking which really got her motor going. Once he had her properly excited she liked it a little rougher and he honored her wishes by biting the nipples with his teeth and pulling them away from her breast as he squeezed her breast and twisted it. Maddie was by now breathing in short shallow gasps and moaning loudly. Suddenly her body shuddered as she experienced the first of what she hoped would be many climaxes. When her body calmed down Alex moved down her body and teased her pussy with his huge hard penis before he started to slide it deep into her body. He was huge but she was so wet that it slowly slid deeper and deeper into her. Wanting him deeper she wrapped he legs around his waist to pull him deeper inside her. As he pushed further into her love tunnel she could feel his sperm filled balls resting against her ass and his pubic bone grind against hers. Suddenly he reversed direction and withdrew his penis much to her objection. Now the dance began as he started to move in and out of her making sure that his penis lightly touched her cervix before again withdrawing. Each time he withdrew she'd squeeze her muscles to try to hold him deeply inside. As his speed picked up Maddie began to break into shallow screams. Suddenly a big gray tabby cat jumped up on the bed. It stood there with its tale jerking and a soft purr issuing from its throat. The cat slowly lay down and watched her, tail still jerkily moving from side to side, and a by now a much louder purr. Her climax was fast approaching as was her lovers. Finally he pushed as deeply into her as he could. His penis started to throb as he came. The splash of his cum triggered her climax and cum she did, screaming her lungs out as her body arched and her nails dug into his back. It wasn't a climax it was a series of them like rolling thunder, occurring over and over again. The scream disturbed the cat. It jumped off the bed, and walked away with its tail still jerkily moving and twitching. In her post coital stupor, as she slowly returned to earth, she opened her eyes to behold her dear Alex and thank him with a kiss and a caress. She suddenly woke up to the fact that she was alone. Her hands were wet and sticky as were her lips, breasts, stomach, thighs, and pussy. She had been making love to her body while she slept and even managed to bring herself to several climaxes. She never put it that way, preferring to think that her departed mate was such a great lover that even the memory of him could excite her and bring her to climax. Her last conscious thought was, "What the Hell was that Damn cat all about?' The next morning she reviewed the events in her dream. Maddie very seldom dreamed and most times she couldn't recall the dream within seconds of waking. Last nights though was special because it was of Alex. She still couldn't figure the cat thing. She knew that dreams sometimes took strange twists and turns that bore no resemblance to reality but that cat was a bit much. Following her morning classes she, Jo, and Jake met at the Oak tree for lunch. As the young couple approached her hand in hand, her heart turned to mush as she whispered to herself, "Here comes a young couple very deeply and utterly in love with each other." It was a bitter-sweet joy for her to watch. As they ate their lunch they resumed the learning process and the binding of what would prove to be a very loving friendship. Maddie finally asked, "Do you two have plans for Friday Night?" Receiving assurances that no plans had been made by either, she smiled and said, "I have tickets to the first concert of the season and I'd love it if you would both join me." Jake and Jo both offered to pay for their seats, but Maddie cut them off; "It's my treat. Jake, Jo, consider that you two are on a date and Jo's elder sister is along to chaperone. Afterwards, Jake, you can take us to Luna's for pizza and perhaps even a small glass of beer or wine." The plan was happily agreed to and the rest of the lunch break was spent on the nuts and bolts of Friday night's events. When the lunch broke up Maddie set off to the library for some research. After an hour of study she still had no explanation for the cat in her dreams. Talking to the head librarian she was escorted to the occult section and shown several books. Another hour was spent in futile research. Yes there had been several possible explanations but none seemed to fit her situation. Closing the last book in frustration she left and drove home to get her class assignments completed Thursday afternoon she met with the architect who introduced himself as Joe Spaulding. They walked out to the garage and climbed the outside stairs to the loft. Maddie stood and watched as he performed his mysterious duties; Measuring here and there with comments all of the time: "Ok! where do we run the water and sewage lines? The floor is great. Studs are sound. What kind of heater do we need?" After what seemed like all eternity he closed his notebook and told her, "Mrs Foster this will make a great apartment." He outlined his proposals including the need to bring in water, install sewage lines, and upgrade the electrical wiring. Looking at Maddie for a second before he went on, he requested. "May I use this as a class project? You'd want several different plans and layouts which would mean a lot of time in drawing and refining until you've got what you want. If I turn it over to my Seniors you'll have 15 different plans to choose from and it'd be much faster then if I did it by myself. Don't worry about not being done properly, whichever plan you choose will have my architectural stamp on it when it goes to city planning for the permits." Maddie's response was almost immediate; "Of course you may use it as a class project. I'd be honored." Joe looked at her again and asked; "Mrs. Foster was your husband Alex Foster?" Startled, she could only nod. Joe continued on, "Shortly before he left for Viet Nam he came to see me about turning this loft into a study. Because of his running around here and there for this and that we were never able to get together. Mrs. Foster, there'll be no charge to you for mine or the schools services. It is our honor." Maddie's response was a flood of tears and a warm hug, Joe's was the embarrassed shuffle typical of the male of the species when confronted with a crying female. The concert Friday night was a rousing success. The orchestra began with Barcarolle by Offenbach, moved on to Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Liszt. The evening went on and each piece ended with thundering applause. The orchestra was by now feeling it's oats as it began to play the beautiful Finlandia by Sibelius. When the applause died down the orchestra gave everyone food for thought as it began the exquisite and sensual Bolero by Ravel. The last probably gave more then a few of the young students a bad case of the hornies by the time it ended. As the concert ended Maddie stood up to wrap her white knitted shoulder wrap around her. She'd decided to wear a black spaghetti strap cocktail dress tonight but she'd needed something to ward off the chill of the Fall night air. Her dress along with her pale black nylons (she refused to wear panty hose) and 2" pumps made for a pleasing appearance. Coupled with her Auburn hair tied into a long pony tail, emerald green eyes, a hint of lipstick, and her height made her a stand alone beauty. Next to her was Jake in black tuxedo trousers with a with tux shirt, red bow tie, and a butter-soft black leather vest. On the other side of Jake was the young woman that Maddie considered to be the Belle of the Ball. Jo had decided on a 3/4 length black taffeta skirt. She was wearing a white tux shirt that was the mate to Jakes except that it failed to hide her very large and heavy breasts. Maddie's first thought was, "my God, her bras have to be industrial strength." The skirt also failed to hide her wide "made for child bearing" hips. Her tie was the mate to Jakes, except the bow ends hung down several inches. Her shiny black hair was also tied into a pony tail. For the first time Maddie noticed her eyes. She couldn't tell whether the eyes were a pale blue or green. They seemed to change with her mood and they were almost cat-like. The trio finally got into their vehicles, Jake and Jo in his pickup and Maddie in her car to head to Luna's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. Jake had made the reservations, requesting a table well back, so that they would have a modicum of privacy. When they entered the restaurant the owner was so taken aback by the sight of the tall statuesque women and their huge bear-like male escort in their finery that he instructed the waitress to take pictures if they approved. With their approval she took out the camera under the cash register that the owner kept for just this purpose. He loved to take pictures of his customers and frame and mount them on the walls around his restaurant. It was surprising how this idea had increased his business over the years. It wasn't just the hanging of the pictures, it was also the fact that he gave the customer a copy of it, all in living color no less. Maddie's copy is still standing proudly on the mantle over the living room fireplace. After they'd been seated, ordered, and served, they continued to perfect what was now a friendship that grew deeper and deeper with each passing day. Maddie wanted to jump up and shout with joy when she learned that both Jo and Jake planned to stay in town after graduation and teach. As the meal wound down they each refilled their glasses while waiting for dessert. Maddie turned to Jo and asked, "Jo, do you enjoy living in the dorm?" Her reply was as expected, "Not a bit. It's noisy. There's no privacy, and I hate having to share the bathroom with so many others." "How would you like to have your own private bedroom and bath?" Maddie asked. "Don't I wish." was her reply. "Jo, I have a big empty house and it is large enough that two women can live in it without killing each other within the first two weeks. Why don't you move in with me?" "Maddie, I couldn't afford it, which is why I'm living in the dorm," Jo replied. "Jo figure out what you can afford and that will be part of your rent. As for the rest you can give me some help around the house from time to time. To be sure that you want to stay with me why don't you and Jake come for lunch tomorrow and look it over?" Jo looked at Jake who nodded his head in the affirmative and quickly accepted for the two of them. Dessert having been finished, Maddie poured the last remaining dregs of wine into the three glasses and proposed a toast to their newly formed friendship, finishing the toast with a hope that it would continue for a very long time. Each of the trio raised their glass in salute' and completed the toast by emptying their glass. Returning hone that evening Maddie stroked Alex's picture in sorrow that he couldn't be with them, kissed it, and went to bed to a happy, dreamless, and uneventful sleep. The morning found Maddie scurrying around the kitchen preparing lunch. She'd decided on corn chowder, a potato salad covered with crab meat, and salmon sandwiches. She felt that all was ready by 11:30 and sat down to enjoy a cup of tea. Just before the old grandfather chime clock sounded noon the doorbell rang. She hurried to open it for her guests, took their coats, and after hanging them up, invited the young couple into the kitchen for a cup of tea to take the chill out from the blustery weather. After Jo and Jake had warmed themselves Maddie took them on a tour of the house. Both were amazed. There was no paint anywhere. The wood trim gleamed with a soft polished look. The walls in each room were covered with a different pleasing pattern of wall covering suitable to the use the room was being put to. The overall effect was one of comfortable living. When the trio finally ascended the stairs to the second floor Maddie showed Jo the bedroom that would be hers and the bathroom she would have to herself if she chose. One look at the bedroom and bathroom and Jo chose. Hugging Maddie she almost screamed, "I love it and the fact that I have my own bathroom is icing on the cake. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She sealed the deal by kissing Maddie on the cheek. Jake was also suitably impressed. Till the End of Time The house tour being over Maddie invited the twosome to join her in the dining room for lunch. As soon as they seated themselves Maddie wheeled the lunch in on a polished wood cart. Once lunch was served they started in with a right good will to devour everything in sight. I think I forgot to mention that Maddie isn't an ordinary cook. She is almost world class. Cooking and music are her passions in life. During the meal Maddie told them about her plans to convert the loft over the garage into an apartment and Joe Spaulding's part in the process. Jake asked her where the plans were and she replied, "Joe is bringing them out next week for approval." Jake asked if he could use Maddie's phone, a request she quickly acquiesced to. Jake shortly returned to the table. Turning to Jo he said, "I just got off the phone with Stan. The weather is bad so he agreed to let me borrow a company van tomorrow to move your gear over here." Turning his head he queried, "Is that alright with you Maddie?" Her smile answered the question. Jake was not quite done yet. Still looking at Maddie he continued on, "Stan would like to look at the plans you finally settle on. He knows Joe Spaulding by reputation and he wants to see if he wants to bid on the conversion. The weather is bad and it's normally the season when he has to start laying his crews off. No construction boss likes to do that as he is sure to lose some of the crew to the competition. If he decides to bid, he told me to tell you he'll make you a good bottom line offer." By Sunday evening Jake and Jo had her things moved into Jo's room and the truck returned to Stan. By the time they got back to the house Maddie had supper ready. To welcome Jo. Maddie had gone all out: Scented candles were burning in the dining room, the VCR was playing light classical music, and the table was set with Maddie's finest. The evening was a happy event. Jo was thrilled to be out of the dorm, Jake was happy for Jo, and Maddie was thankful to have someone in the house to talk to and share with. After dinner everyone pitched in to cleanup. Jake pleading tiredness left shortly afterwards and Jo and Maddie were headed off to bed soon after he left. For the first time in months Maddie went to sleep with a smile on her lips. A routine was soon established, Maddie and Jo drove to Western where Maddie turned Jo over to Jake. They had lunch together and Jake would bring Jo home to a dinner prepared by Maddie. They would study together and Jake would head for home. On Fridays they would attend whatever was happening in the Performing Arts Center. Occasionally they would go to Luna's for dinner after the performance. After many hours of talking with Jake, taking notes, and several trips to the Mormon library she was unable to find any common ancestors between her line and his. Right on time Joe brought the plans over to Maddies so she could look them over. For the next several afternoons while waiting for Jo and Jake, Maddie went through them. The ones she didn't care for went into one pile and the ones she thought had possibilities went into another. She finally had her choices whittled down to three. When Jo and Jake came in she asked them to look the three plans over and select the one they liked. After an hour of discussion Jo and Jake both selected the same plan Maddie had been leaning towards selecting. Joe had even gone so far as to include a construction cost estimate with each plan so Maddie had an idea of what it should cost to do the renovation. Maddie took the plans back to Joe with her eternal thanks and showed him her selection. Joe replied, "I kind of liked that one because of the windows it'll be light and give an airy feeling to the apartment. I'll have 6 copies made and have them to you by Friday." Maddie queried , "Joe what do you know about Stan Kowalski and his company?" Joe raised an eyebrow and replied, "Stan is an excellent builder but he is normally into commercial construction. If he wants to do this renovation he would be an excellent choice." Maddie asked if she could take the blueprint home and was assured that would not be a problem as all of the blueprints had been scanned into their computers. She thanked Joe profusely and asked him to thank everyone involved as she was very grateful. That evening, after removing the cost estimate she gave the plan to Jake so that Stan could look it over and explained that Joe was printing up 6 copies which would be ready by Friday. When Maddie and Jo arrived in class the next morning Jake had a big grin on his face as he drawled out, "Stan extends an invitation to dinner for the three of us Friday with his family. Stan was laughing when he said to be prepared to eat some good Polish food." Friday evening found the trio at the Kowalski's. Following introductions they were invited into the dining room. The view of a table heaped with so much food was staggering. There was a tureen of what turned out to be cabbage soup, a huge coil of Kielbasa, stuffed cabbage rolls, Pierogis, Latkes (potato pancakes) and a sideboard overflowing with desserts of various kinds. Glasses of water and a white wine were placed at each plate. To put it mildly they all stuffed themselves horridly, but the food was so good. Maddie turned to Stan's wife Ann and thanking her said, "I know it's not polite to ask, but I'll forever be in your debt if you could find it in your heart to let me have the recipes. I've never cooked Polish food before and I'd like to try. I can't think of a better way then to try to emulate what you've accomplished tonight." Ann blushed and smilingly replied, "Holy Redeemer has a cookbook as a fund raiser and all of the recipes and several hundred more are in it. Remind me to give you a copy before you leave." After supper Stan took Maddie, Jo, and Jake into his office. Seating them he began by reiterating what Jake and Joe had already stated, "Ordinarily I don't do homes or renovations, but Winter is coming on and I need to keep my crews busy. Now if you want me to do the job here is the bid that my estimators have prepared." Maddie picked up the papers he'd pushed across the desk, looked at the bottom line and almost fainted. It was half of Joe's written cost estimate. She sputtered, "Stan this is way too . ." Stan held up a hand to stop her and cut in, "There are several reasons for that figure . ." and went on to explain. To Maddie it made sense but she queried, "You said there were several reasons?" He grimly replied, "Both of my sons Mikal and Jerzy served in 'Nam. They came home, Alex didn't, and I figure we owe something." They all repaired to the dining room for dessert. Following the sweet fest and some pleasant conversation it was time to take their leave. As Maddie put her coat on Ann handed her a copy of the cookbook as promised with a refusal to accept any compensation. Stan said, "your contract will be ready by next Friday. Please take it to the legal beagles at Western so they can walk you through it," as he shook her hand and Ann hugged her. Maddie signed the contract and wrote the first payment to Stan. The work wouldn't start until after the first of the year, after the holidays. Thanksgiving found everyone assembled around the Kowalski table to feast on Ann's superb bounty. Jo and Maddie had finally gotten Ann to agree to allow them to provide the dessert. Christmas Day everyone including the Kowalski Family were seated around Maddie's table. The day after Christmas Jake took Maddie aside to speak to her. "Maddie, I know this sounds strange but Jo has no kin to speak of and you two have become closer then sisters so I'm going to ask anyway." "Ask what?" she queried "May I have your approval to ask Jo to marry me?" "I have no right to say yea or nay," she retorted. Jake replied, "I know that Maddie but your approval is important to Jo and to me." Her answer was to hug him and to softly whisper, "you both have my blessing." Being forewarned that Jake planned to pop the question on New Years Eve Maddie went into high gear to make it a most memorable night with Jake's blessing and connivence, Having announced at dinner that night that New Years Eve would be a dress-up affair, Jake's task was to get Jo out of the house and the mall would be a good place to start. He especially had to have her absent and busy for several hours in the late afternoon before the New Years dinner, making sure she got home just in time to rush in to get dressed so that she wouldn't notice Maddie's efforts. All went according to plan and Jake and Jo made their appearance just before six o'clock. Jo immediately rushed upstairs to change leaving Jake and Maddie to give each other a quick thumbs up. Later Maddie was to find out that Jake had taken Jo to his apartment so he could dress for the evening and he'd been able to stall long enough to get Jo home just in the nick of time. Devious minds think alike. Jake was dressed in the same outfit he'd worn to that first concert looking properly handsome but somewhat nervous. Jo had gone all out. She slowly descended the stairway in a crimson evening gown with a long side slit and matching nylon stocking and pumps. Her raven black hair was tied back into a ponytail and small silver hoop earrings adorned her ears with a matching silver necklace with one small pearl lay around her neck. Maddie having decided that the night belonged to the two lovers had dressed herself in the same clothing she'd worn at that first concert. With Maddie preceding, the three of them entered the dining room. The young couple froze in amazement at the scene before them. The only lighting came from dozens of scented burning candles spread around the room. The VCR was playing some very romantic instrumental music, The table was adorned with a white linen tablecloth and matching napkins in their silver rings, by each of the three of Maddie's finest dinnerware. In the center of the table was a silver-plated covered serving platter which would ultimately show itself to contain a very special Smithfield Ham Maddie had flown in on short notice. The vegetable dishes were all fresh from the market that day and very lovingly prepared with various herbs and garnishments. A loaf of French bread lay wrapped in linen cloth in a wicker basket. Next to the table was a silver-plated wine cooler with a fine bottle of Chardonnay. Jake, ever the gentleman, seated the two ladies at their places and at Maddie's request opened the wine, filling each glass before he seated himself. The meal was fabulous and leisurely eaten with great conversation. Maddie finally excused herself for a moment and left the room. Shortly she returned asking Jake to bring the wine and invited he and Jo to join her in the living room. Maddie had arranged the same ambience in the living room. Candles gave off seductive scents with flickering light illuminating the room. The VCR was also playing soft romantic music. Jo proceeded to the sofa with Jake following. He looked at Maddie and lipped a silent "Thank You." She returned it with a soft smile. After a few moments of quiet conversation Maddie rose as she announced that she was going to bring the dessert in. She winked at Jake as she left the room. Jake immediately got down on one knee and took hold of Jo's hand. With his heart in his throat and his eyes riveted to Jo's, Jake softly spoke, "Joanna Fry, we met in our Freshman year. We've been study buddies and more. We became friends and it wasn't too long before we became much more. I fell in love with you and I want to spend the rest of my life loving and adoring you as my wife. Joanna Fry, will you marry me?" Jo looked down at Jake with a totally blank expression and said softly, "wait," Maddie, who'd been eves dropping behind the swinging kitchen door wondered what was going on. Jake tried to speak but Jo merely said again, "Wait." Maddie knowing now that Jo wouldn't answer until she made her appearance, pushed the cart loaded with dessert. a wine bottle, and a brandy decanter through the door into the living room. Standing next to the coffee table she looked at poor Jake who was by now almost in the panic mode. The stone-faced Jo finally spoke., "Jacob Fitzgerald I'll marry you under one condition." Jake looked at her with eyes wide open and croaked, "What condition?" Jo couldn't hold it any longer. With a huge grin she shouted, "Maddie has to be my Matron of Honor!" Maddie broke into a huge grin and yelped out, "Yes! Yes! Yes!" Jake wondering if the two of them had set him up reached into a vest pocket. Pulling out a jewelry box, opened it, removed the small engagement ring, and placed it on Jo's third finger on her left hand. That was the signal for general pandemonium to breakout. Jo jumped up, pulling Jake up with her, wrapped him in her arms, and planted her lips firmly on his. Maddie for her part rushed over to hug the two of them to her. All three had tears of joy rolling down their cheeks. When things finally calmed down Maddie filled three brandy glasses and they proceeded to toast each other and the future. The rest of the evening was taken up with wedding plans until midnight when they all hugged each other, wished all a Happy New Year, and completed this joyous night with a final toast. About 12:30 Jake said, his good nights, kissed Jo soundly, and reluctantly headed off to his apartment. The two ladies finished off the wine as they talked about the wedding and each went to bed that night with very pleasant thoughts in their minds. 1976 Over the next several months Winter did its worst and grudgingly gave way to Spring Stan began the renovation above the garage personally supervising the work. The Kowalski Family and Maddie would take turns hosting a dinner once a month with Ann and Maddie trying to outdo the other in their scrumptious meals as they celebrated the growing friendship between Maddie, Stan, Ann, Jo, and Jake. At the January dinner hosted by the Kowalski Family Stan and Jake went into Stan's office for a few moments. When they emerged they were both smiling like two kids who'd just gotten into the jam jar. After the meal was properly attended to Jake rose, lifted his wine glass, and in an emotional tone proposed a toast; " I've asked Stan to be my best man and he has joyfully agreed. Stan, thank you and you too Ann for all you have done for me these past years. Maddie, Jo, please join me in saluting our two dear friends." The three toasted the two in a heartfelt salute'. Be it noted that Ann had to dab a couple of tears and Stan suddenly needed to blow his nose. Maddie finally began to understand some things she'd worried over like a dog with a bone. She kept having the re-occurring dreams of Alex making love to her as she pleasured herself. As her periods were very regular she started counting back to discover that her dreams of Alex occurred when she was ovulating. The question she couldn't answer was whether it was her sub-conscience regretting that she and Alex never had children. The dream of Alex occurred every month but the cat wasn't always present in the dream. Thinking back very carefully it suddenly became apparent that the cat only showed up when there had been a big change in her life. Why? She had no clue. At the April dinner hosted by Maddie, Stan took everyone on a tour of the now completed apartment. Stan had refused to even let Maddie see what was being done. Maddie knew from the blueprints what it was supposed to look like, but all she knew for sure was that there were now two shed roof dormers added to the roof line to increase the size of the apartment and the windows which had been installed would allow much more light into the rooms. A deck had been added to the plans which stuck out over the garage entrance and one of the windows was now a door. When they all entered the finished apartment their jaws dropped when they beheld the magnificent job Stan and his crew had done. In the kitchen was a beautiful new stove, refrigerator, and a dishwasher mounted under the counter. Maddie gave Stan a sharp look because those items were never in the contract. Stan for his part gave an "aw shucks" smile in return. The tour having been completed Stan turned the keys over to Maddie who was thunderstruck at how beautiful and spacious it had turned out. When the dinner had been completely and joyfully engorged, Maddie rose to propose two toasts. The first was to Stan for his superb efforts which everyone enthusiastically raised their glasses to in agreement. For the second toast she walked around the table to the two lovebirds and asked them to rise. Once they were standing Maddie saluted the two and wished for them a glorious future. That having been attended to she put her glass down and taking Jo and Jake by the hand she placed the keys to the apartment in Jo's hand softly saying, "Jo, Jake, this is a part of my wedding gift to the both of you. The first years rent is on me. After that we'll talk. Jo we have a lot of work to do to get the apartment ready by your wedding day so we'll start looking at the colors you want to paint the rooms and the curtains and all of those other things that will make your house a home." The moment was a very emotional one for both Jo and Jake. All they could do was hug Maddie to them and each gave her a grateful kiss on the cheek. Shortly after Stan turned the keys over to Maddie she received a phone call one evening. It was Joe Spaulding. They spent a few moments in chit-chat until Joe came to the point, "Maddie I understand the renovation is complete. May I come over to see how it turned out. Also, may I bring the student who submitted it so he can see his handy work?" Maddie was only too happy to oblige and they set up an acceptable day and time. On the appointed day Joe showed up with a young man that he introduced to Maddie as the designer of the apartment. When they walked around the house to approach the garage the first thing that attracted Joe's attention was the deck and the vertical ladders at each end running from the porch to the ground. Joe turned pale as he realized he'd made a basic mistake. Turning to Maddie he made his apologies, "Maddie, forgive me. I forgot that the building and fire codes require an emergency exit. . ." Maddie cut him off, "Joe, don't worry about it. Even Stan forgot about the fire code requirement until one of his draftsman brought it to his attention. A revision was attached to the blueprint when it was submitted for approval so no harm was done." The three of them wandered through the apartment nodding in approval. The place was not as spic and span as Maddie would have liked as she and Jo were going through the rooms painting and hanging curtains and drapes. As each room was finished Jake and Stan would move the furniture in place with a helping hand from Grace's and Helen's husbands, Harry and George. Out of this Maddie and Joe began to go out occasionally, not on a date and definitely not romantic. They enjoyed each other's company and their conversations were lively and interesting. In June at graduation Maddie, Ann, and Stan, Grace and Helen, very enthusiastically clapped when Jake and then Jo crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. Each of the ladies went through a couple of rolls of film that beautiful sunny afternoon. When Jo first moved into Maddies she'd very quickly been introduced to Grace and Helen and their husbands. Whereas Maddie had become the loving and lovable older sister she'd never had, these affable ladies very quickly became her "dear Almost Aunty Grace and Almost Aunty Helen." Two weeks after graduation Grace, Helen, Maddie, and Jo started the procession down the church isle heading to a familiar Altar rail where they would join Jake, Stan, Harry, and George. In what for those days was an unusual occurrence, Ann was escorting Jo and would be the one to give her over to Jake. Till the End of Time Jo was clothed in a familiar gown and veil. She'd looked at the picture of Alex and Maddie taken at their wedding and decided that was the kind of wedding dress she wanted. Maddie got the gown out and surprisingly it was almost a perfect fit. Yes it would need to be shortened just a bit and a nip here and tuck there and the gown fit Jo like a glove. As they stood at the Altar the past ran through Maddie's mind. "From joy to sorrow, from sorrow to joy. I hope that this joy never turns to sorrow." Her mind turned to one of her favorite songs, "Till the End of Time," praying that that would be how Jo's and Jake's lives went. The photographer and the flowers were Stan and Ann's present and they had also agreed to split the cost of the reception with Maddie. Maddie, Ann, and the church ladies had gone all out preparing the feast for the wedding party and guests and all agreed the effort had yielded superb results. Following the reception the newlyweds took off for a weeks honeymoon in Seattle and a week in Vancouver, British Columbia with a strict injunction from Stan to be back by the 5th of July to get back to work. Arriving at their hotel Jake parked the truck in front of the entrance, turning the keys over to the doorman who would ensure the luggage got where it was supposed to, and the truck parked in the underground garage after making sure that it was washed, cleaned, and vacuumed. After checking in and grabbing a quick bite in the hotel restaurant The newlyweds went up to their room and after quickly putting the clothing and other items where they belonged, Jake gathered Jo into his arms. It was clear that his mind was deeply into making up for all of the sex they'd denied themselves the last four years. Jo returned his scorching kiss but then she moved back slightly. "Hold it Tiger. I need to get cleaned up and properly dressed. You get one kiss and one grope and then I'm off to the bathtub." Jake decided to test the limits. "If I grab your butt does that count as a grope?" Jo decided to cut him some slack. "Naw honey, we'll call it foreplay," she said with a lascivious grin. Jake put his arm around her, drew her close, and planted as torrid a kiss as he was able to deliver upon her eager lips. As his left hand stroked her butt his right hand was kneading her breast. Jo almost forgot her need to properly prepare herself. Reluctantly, Jo pulled his arms away and stepped back with a mental reproach: "Damn why did I do that? It felt so good to have his lips on mine and his hands on my body." She looked at Jake as he grumbled with the awww of a little boy whose been told he can't have another cookie, and for all the world his body and face were molded into that same hangdog expression. Jo almost doubled over with laughter. He looked so cute and cuddly. She softly stroked his cheek as she murmured, "I won't be long sweetheart but let me do this the right way, Pleaseee?" As she turned to towards the bathroom she suggested that Jake call room service; "Why don't you order us a couple bottles of red wine, maybe a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Gamay Beaujolais, and one of those chilled platters of sliced fruits?" First Jo stepped into the tub and showered herself thoroughly, making sure she was squeaky clean everywhere and that all of her makeup and lipstick had been cleaned off. Jo hated to soak in dirty bath water so she always showered first. It was something a Japanese roommate had taught her her first year at Western. Having cleaned herself she proceeded to dig into the bag of scents, soaps, and bath things she'd packed along. Pulling out a bottle she poured some into the warm water which was rapidly fulling the tub. The water was almost instantly hidden by layer upon layer of rich foamy suds. Finally she turned the water off, placed her watch on the edge of the tub so she didn't lose track of the time, and submerged herself in the warm water. As she lay there her nostrils were assailed by the wonderful lavender scent of the suds. Her mind went back to her four years with Jake . . . She remembered how they met in class, haltingly started studying together at the library, finally the dates to the concerts at school, and eventually the school dances. They were an item from the gitgo. They are still both still virgins, technically speaking, but she remembered all of those nights at the drive in theater (Yes they still had them back then) after Jake bought his truck the Fall after he'd worked for Stan all Summer. My God his body was something to worship she giggled. It still is she added as an afterthought. She smiled as she thought about how lips, hands, and tongues wandered over each others body. Jake had given Jo some heavy mind blowing orgasms with his mouth and fingers. When she'd found that huge hard penis of his she couldn't leave "her toy" alone. She literally worshipped it and wanted to feel it inside her in the worst way but they'd both agreed that tab "A" wouldn't be put into slot "B" until after they were married. . . Her mind was snapped back to the present when she looked at her watch and realized she'd been soaking for over 10 minutes. Grudgingly she rose from the sudsy water. The thought ran through her mind, "If I can limit Jake to one kiss and one grope I can surely limit myself to one quick soak." She dried herself, applied Jakes favorite perfume to several strategic spots, pulled on a pair of white nylon thigh highs (Jake loved her in nylons, but no garter belt this time she giggled), slid into her white filmy panties, donned her peignoir, made sure her hair was properly arranged, and prepared to let Jake have his way with her (Or was it her way with him, she giggled again). As she made her entrance, hips swaying sensuously, a sinfully wicked smile crossed her lips as the thought flashed through her mind, "Let the games begin." Jake's mind was totally blown. For the first time he was actually seeing all of his love in the altogether except for the gauzy peignoir, panties, and those damn sexy nylons. Jo knew the sight of her slowly entering the bedroom with her hips swaying and her low hanging breasts bobbling and swaying in accompaniment was having the desired effect as she saw the tent rising in his bathrobe and Jake knew it as he felt it rise. Jake smiled as a thought crossed his mind, "If she were a cat her tail would be swaying back and forth and she'd be purring." Every ounce of his being wanted to rush over to her, tear her peignoir and panties off and make love to her, but he knew this was her show and besides he was enjoying it so much he could bear to be patient. As she approached the bed where he was seated he opened his legs in invitation. Jo slowly walked into his trap. He put his arms around her waist and began a series of light kisses on her stomach as his fingers caressed the small of her back. Jo had not quite expected their love making to begin that way but my God it was delightful. She slowly stroked his hair and the back of his neck as she pressed his head tightly into her body. Her heart was so full of love for this giant husband of hers a tear ran down her cheek as she leaned over to softly kiss the back of his neck as her hands stroked him. Jake, who was no dummy, had divested himself of all of his clothing and washed himself at a sink in the bedroom prior to donning a light bathrobe while Jo had had her soak. Jo opened the robe by untying the belt and slowly dropping to her knees. and spreading his legs, she lightly held his erect penis in her hand and planted several light kisses on the head and shaft. Jake rose slowly as Jo squeaked an objection. As he rose he pulled her up with him. Slowly, ever so slowly, he undid her peignoir from her body and placed it on a chair. He slowly sunk to his knees all the while kissing and stroking her body except for her breasts. Every ounce of his being screamed that it was time to worship those beauties but he knew that once he started he'd never be able to stop so, for now, he ignored them. After he'd sunk to his knees he softly kissed her pussy, gently removed her panties, then carefully pivoted his body so that Jo's back was to the bed and with his great strength he ever so slowly and gently lowered her body so that she now found herself seated on the edge of the bed with Jake spreading her legs open. In short order he had his lips gently kissing the outer lips of her vagina and her thighs. Jo could feel each kiss in every nerve ending in her body. Jake suddenly pushed her back, threw her legs over his shoulders and made a serious attack on the beautiful pussy now opening before him. As his tongue began to slide around the outer lips and into the valley between her inner lips he reached up with both hands and squeezed Jo's breasts while his thumbs began to slowly make circles over and around her now very erect nipples. His ministrations had Jo breathing very shallow breaths and moaning loudly. She could feel her pussy weeping and the juice running down her ass. The way he was tonguing her and squeezing her breasts she knew a climax was not far off. With a groan she scooted away from him and repositioned herself flat on her back in the bed. Before Jake could say a word Jo all but screamed at him, "Get your butt up here sailor I'm not taking this voyage alone. Get that big tool up here and put it to use, NOW!" Jake's eyes closed in a Clint Eastwood squint and he literately leaped at her. Threw her legs over his shoulders as before, but as he reached for his bar-hard penis he found another hand had beat him to it. With out another thought Jo pulled it towards her pussy and began to slide it inside of her love tunnel as she thrust her hips up to get it deeper inside of her. Jo was a virgin, yet what should have been a painful experience was everything but. The thought ran through her mind that she must have broken her hymen sometime in her younger days, but damn this felt good. If she thought that was good, what happened next sent her to the stars: Jake kept sliding his penis deeper and deeper and as he did so he attacked her breasts again. When he pulled on her nipples while he was plunging into her she screamed for joy. As soon as his penis bottomed out he started to move it in circles so that every inch of her was being stroked. By now Jo was a quivering wreck. She was screaming, scratching and yelling all at the same time. Her legs were wrapped tightly around his neck Jake knew it wasn't going to be long before he exploded into a great cum so he started to pull out but Jo clamped her muscles tightly in protest and pushed her hips up to get that wonderful peter back where it belonged. All this served to do was put more exquisite pressure on her canal and raise her state of arousal several notches. As soon as Jake was all but out of her he pushed back into her as deep and hard as he could and now the race was on. Jake was grunting and pushing in and out and Jo was screaming, raking his back with her nails, and trying to choke him to death with her thighs. Just as Jo was about to explode into a glorious cum Jake beat her to it by a mili-second. The feeling of his peter throbbing and spilling his cum inside her and the cum splashing against her cervix sent her into a climax that was beyond anything she'd ever felt before. Her eyes rolled into her head, her lips froze into a grimace and her body, arms, and legs froze her into a statue-like stiffness that was beyond her ability to control. Her screams slowly turned to moans as she tried to gulp some air into her lungs as her muscles slowly began to relax. She pulled her legs off of Jake's shoulders as she reached up to pull her lover down on top of her. The pressure of his weight on her body was exquisite. Now she was able to kiss him and his face properly while she thanked him and told him how much she loved him. When Jake tried to pull out of her she locked him into her with her knees and quietly begged him to stay inside of her. Finally all good things must end and Jake rolled over to gather her into his arms. They cuddled and cooed for awhile until Jo remembered the chilled fruit and the wine. She asked Jake do do the honors, As he padded nude across the rug she took one look at his back and instantly broke into apologetic giggles. "Jake honey, how's your back?" she asked. "All Right," he replied. "Look in the mirror," she responded. Jake looked into the large mirror next to the sink. "My God!" was all he could utter. "You look like you took twenty lashes with a cat-o-nine tails." She giggled. "Come here with the fruit and wine and mama will make it all better," she said with a blush. She spread a towel that Jake brought back, and another blush rushed to her face when she pictured the maid changing the bedding tomorrow. For the next hour they lay side by side feeding each other the still chilled fruit and letting their partner sip wine from their wine glass. All of the foregoing was accompanied with appropriate words of endearment, kisses, caresses, and hugs. Once their tummies were happily filled, it was time for round two of their hors de combat: Jake spread towels over the bed to limit the carnage but he ruefully thought the damage was pretty well done. This time Jo was on top. This enabled Jake to really work her breasts over. Jo accused him of having a breast fetish which he happily acknowledged. Jo's orgasm was just as mind blowing as her first one, but she liked this position because of the control it gave her. Over the next week they did get out of the hotel once to take in the Space Needle but that was about it as they played horizontal tag the rest of the time. Vancouver, B. C. wasn't much better as they left the hotel once to visit Stanley Park. Their delightful honeymoon over the tired couple headed for home. When the Fall term started Jo, Maddie, and Jake began their teaching assignments. Jo and Maddie found themselves teaching at Maddie's old place of employment at Western Intermediate School, while Jake because of school district rules found himself teaching at Lincoln Intermediate School in the adjoining district. 1977 The Spring of 1977 had finally began when Jo and Jake sat down to dinner one night with Maddie with some very serious things to discuss. Jo began, "Maddie, Jake and I want to start a family." This was met with a huge smile of approval. Jo continued on, " I want to be a full time wife and mother." Maddie once again smiled in acquiescence. Now came the sticky part . . Jake began; "Maddie I can't support Jo and a baby on a teacher's pay, and in addition we want to buy our own home." For a second Maddie's mind froze at the thought of losing her two dear friends. But she had the presence of mind to ask, "What do you propose?" "I'll teach until the end of the school year and then Stan will let me work full time. Jo will continue to teach until we start a family, then she'll take her leave of absence when the doctor tells us it's time." Before Maddie could respond, Jo added, "Maddie we'd love to stay in the apartment until we can afford to buy a house. So that we can properly budget our money what would you charge us for rent?" Maddie having had a chance to compose her thoughts gave her reply. "Jake I'm sorry you're giving up teaching but I do understand. The pay is lousy and the money you'll make working for Stan should allow Jo to be an at home mother and with a careful budget you should be able to save enough so that you'll eventually have your own home." Having said her piece she passed a piece of paper to Jo who looked at it, raised an eyebrow, and passed it to Jake. Jake looked at the figure she'd placed on the paper and told Maddie, "it's too low, Maddie it's not fair to you. Charging that small a rental fee you have to be losing money on what it costs to pay the bills on the apartment." Maddie smiled as she made her reply, "Actually it costs very little to live in the apartment. When Joe Spaulding laid out the design he used state of the art in every aspect; super insulation, florescent lighting, on demand water heaters, and oil-filled convection heaters in each room rather then central heating. All of the design has made it cheap to operate so the two of you get to reap the reward for Joe's design." Jake chimed in, "But Maddie . ." She cut him off and smilingly added, "If someone wants to mow the grass, rake the leaves, or shovel the snow I think I'd like that." The rent had been settled. Jake began working for Stan full time at the close of the school year. Stan wanted Jake to eventually take over one of his work crews as a foreman, but that required more knowledge about construction then he currently had so he sat Jake down one evening with a catalog from Sound Technical College. He and Jake laid out the courses that Jake needed and they worked it out in such a way that Jake would spend no more then two evenings a week taking classes. The year rolled along. Jo was still teaching and Jake working or studying. Jake and Jo took advantage of every chance for connubial bliss. From the honeymoon on their lovemaking had been a loving voyage of discovery. What they had denied themselves all through school was now theirs to enjoy. Jake couldn't get enough of Jo's body. He fell in love with her huge pendulous breasts, worshipped her sexy butt, and spent as much time as it was possible to do playing with what he now called "His Pussy." Jo had equally fallen in love with Jake's hard muscle rippled body, his gentle hands, and most important "Her Penis." The first time she saw it she couldn't believe how large and how hard it could get. She couldn't keep her hands, her lips, and most importantly, "His Pussy" from worshipping and using it to full advantage. 1978 Things were still rolling along except that Jake was now a foreman on one of Stan's construction crews. Jo was still teaching and loving it. At a Summer pool party with The Swanson and Jackson families children (all teenagers by now) running about and doing what teen agers do at a pool on a hot day, Jo approached Maddie in the kitchen with a problem. "Maddie, no matter what we do Jake and I can't seem to get a family started." Just then Grace and Helen walked through the door having turned the children over to their husbands for a break. The two "Almost Aunties" had overheard the conversation and felt a need to help. Grace locked the door and they quickly sat down to offer their input. Maddie filled 4 coffee cups with a generous portion of Irish Cream and coffee and joined them. Grace asked, "Is there was a physical problem with you or Jake?" Jo's reply was that the doctor assured them both there was no problem. Helen queried; "Are your periods regular?" Again Jo replied, saying that her periods were very regular. Maddie's input was another question. "Jo when is your next period due to start?" Jo looked at the calendar that was next to the sink and said, "It should start in one week." Maddie rose, took the calendar down, put it in the middle of the table resumed her seat, as Helen refilled the cups with a lot of Irish Cream and a little bit of coffee. Maddie looked at the calendar and announced, "Your period starts just a week before mine." Looking again at the calendar she said, "This is when I ovulate, so this should be when you will be most fertile," pointing to a week earlier. Grace looked closely at Maddie and asked her, "Maddie how do you know for sure when you're ovulating?" Maddie's face turned beet red. Grace and Helen looked at each other with a devilish smile and the thought simultaneously ran through their minds. "Hello! There's a story here." Each of her dear friends vowed to learn the story before the day was done even if they had to put splinters under Maddie's fingernails. With that Grace refilled the coffee cups. Till the End of Time Maddie's face was still glowing red as she tried to regain her composure. She wasn't about to tell the anyone about her monthly dreams of Alex. Grace turned to Jo as she placed a circle on the calendar. "Jo you tell Jake he ain't gett'n no nookie the week before this date," pointing to a five day span on the calendar; Helen snickered as she replenished the cups, "Then the two of you screw your brains out for the next five days." Grace was now deep into the giggle mode as she said, "Afterwards make sure you lay on your back and elevate your hips so nothing leaks out." Helen was also giggling like a teenager hearing a dirty joke, "To make sure that nothing leaks stick a carrot in as a stopper." Grace's rejoinder, "Looking at Jakes package in his swim trunks and the size of his hands it looks like a zucchini would be more appropriate, " had everyone roaring in deep belly laughs except Jo whose turn it was to turn a crimson red. The devil was now loose in the kitchen in the disguise of the Irish Cream the ladies had been imbibing. Having addressed Jo's problem Grace refilled the cups. Turning to Maddie the two neighbors and friends started in, "Out with it Maddie. What made you blush when you were asked about how you knew for sure when you ovulated?" Maddie went down fighting, but by now her decks were also awash from copious quantities of the liquor. Eventually she 'fessed up which set Grace and Helen off. Even Jo broke into a bad case of the giggles. Maddie tried to assume the mantle of dignity but she too was soon giggling. They were laughing and having such a good time that they didn't hear the knock on the kitchen door. After a few moments of fruitless knocking Jake went around to the front door. When he entered the kitchen he was assailed by a fresh outbreak of rollicking laughter. All the poor man could do was stand there perplexed and in total bewilderment as he surveyed the scene of mayhem before him. After five days of no sex both Jake and Jo were very horny indeed. Those next five nights was not love making, it was fucking pure and simple, although there were some tender moments: One tender moment was when Jo screamed out in passion, "Fuck me Sailor, Screw me into the mattress God Damn You!" Another followed shortly when she screamed at the top of her voice, "Knock me up you Son of a Bitch so you can become my own mother fucker, KNOCK ME UP!" Jake had never heard her swear before but on later reflection he had enjoyed it and had to admit it caused him to shift to another gear. Jo didn't conceive the first month but she and Jake did conceive the following month as one of Jake's little swimming critters found an egg and performed his task in this world with eagerness, if sperm can be said to be eager. As Jo lay on her back with her pelvis elevated by a pillow and Jake lay alongside her with a breast cupped in his huge paw, he couldn't understand why Jo had giggled as she fell asleep the past two months after they made love. What he didn't know and Jo was not about to tell him was that as Jo drifted off to sleep a parade of zucchini's passed through her dream world. Maddie had an inkling something had happened shortly after the inception and before Jo even knew she was pregnant, Maddie had one of her sexual episodes wherein Alex made love to her in her dreams and the cat again showed up in the dream. On of the joys of parenthood is the hours spent picking names for the baby. They finally settled on Wayne (after Jake's dad if it was a boy) and Sarah (after Jo's mother) if it was a girl. 1979 Almost nine months to the day, Jo delivered an 8 and 1/2 lb. girl in St. Joes Hospital. As was proper, Jake went in first to see mother and daughter, followed by Maddie. Grace. Helen, and Ann would be along later. Maddie's first glimpse was of Jo laying there with her daughter in her arms as she remarked, "Sarah is going to be the spitting image of you I think, but I also think she will probably be taller if those arms and legs are any indication." It was apparent to Maddie that Jo had already started to bond as she softly stroked her daughter and hugged her to her breast. Maddie also thought that Jo seemed rather pale and tired so she didn't stay long, giving Jo a gentle kiss and touching the babies soft cheek, she took her leave promising to return on the morrow. . . The loud banging and shouting brought Maddie out of a sound happy sleep. Putting her robe on even as she rushed down the stairs to the door she saw Jake standing on the porch banging on the door and shouting for Maddie. Throwing the door open she didn't even get the chance to ask a question. Jake's face was white and he literally screamed at Maddie, "Get dressed, Jo is dying!" Maddie dressed in record time noted it was almost 3:00 am and in just a few moments they were headed to St. Joes at speeds well above those posted. Maddie was finally able to frame the question, "What happened, and why is she dying? When I left she was tired but content." "She's bleeding internally and they can't stop it," Jake groaned. "But how and where?" Maddie asked. "That's the problem. They can't find the origin of the bleeding so they can't stop it," Jake said with a sob. By the time he'd completed the statement they were at the hospital. Jake parked the truck in the first space he came to. They rushed to the elevator, and rushed down to corridor as soon as the elevator doors opened. A nurse tried to head them off without success. Jake is 6'5" and 235 lbs. That's a freight train when it all gets up to speed and by now Jake was flat out up to speed. Maddie could only follow along behind. The nurse not having any success with Jake tried to stop Maddie. Maddie simply screamed at her on the way by, "My sister is dying." When Maddie entered the room she found Jake holding Jo's hand. That arm was hooked up to a blood transfusion bag. Maddie went around to the other side to hold her other hand, That arm was hooked up to a bag of some clear liquid. Various wires were attached to Jo on one end and to various machines on the other. A man that Maddie assumed was the doctor was monitoring the bank of machines and writing things on a note board. Jo was too far gone. She'd bled too long before the bleeding was discovered. She had enough strength to tell Jake she loved him and to Maddie she sadly murmured "Take care of Jake and Sarah," and closed her eyes as Joanna Fry Fitzgerald's body began it's long sleep. In the background the machine monitoring her heart showed a flat line and began to bleep. Maddie kissed Jo's hand, laid it carefully on her breast, and came around the bed to comfort Jake who was by now crying and looking like he was dangerously close to shock. He and Maddie were ushered out of the room by the doctor who'd delivered Sarah as a team of medics, nurses, and interns streamed into the room. In the waiting room at the end of the hall he sat them down to inform them that because of the circumstances an autopsy was required and a death certificate would not be issued until the autopsy was completed. He finished his remarks by taking Jakes hand and giving his condolences. Maddie drove the truck home as Jake was in no shape to do it. When they arrived home Jake started to stagger to the apartment. Maddie took him by the arm and slowly pulled him towards the house telling him, "Jake you can't do that. You and I need to talk." Once Jake was seated Maddie put the coffee on and poured two brandies. Once the coffee was poured Maddie began, "Jake, I know what you're feeling, it's going to get worse before it gets better and it'll be a long time before that happens." "Right now," she continued, "Hard decisions have to be made. Jo's funeral and all of that are not the most important decision. What are we going to do about Sarah?" Jake looked up at Maddie with a questioning look. "Jake did you hear Jo's last words?" "She told you to take care of me and Sarah," he sobbingly responded. What do you think she meant by that?" I'm not sure, what do you think she meant," Jake asked. "Jake, there are only two options when it comes to Sarah and you are of course part of the picture because you have the final decision. First you can put her up for adoption. Is that your wish?" "God no Maddie, I couldn't," he croaked. 'Then a way has to be found to provide care day in and day out for your's and Jo's baby," Maddie softly murmured. "God Maddie, I don't know, I have no ideas." Jake groaned. "Jake, honey, this is new ground for me and we'll have to feel our way and make and change the rules as we go along, but here's what I propose." Maddy said with more confidence then she felt. Continuing on, "I have sick leave coming and I'll take it to care for Sarah. Once the leave is up I'll still care for Sarah here at home. You continue to live in the apartment but you'll be welcome in the house anytime to eat, see, play with, spoil, and do those things a father does for his daughter. As I said we'll have to make the rules up as we go along." Jake sat sipping his coffee and some of his brandy as he considered what Maddie's suggestion meant. Finally after a time he asked a question that was bothering him, "Maddie you'll be out of a job caring for Sarah. How'll you pay your bills?" Maddie had thought about it and she replied, "The money I got from Alex's insurance has been growing and is now a tidy . ." "Jake stopped her in mid-sentence with an angry retort, "Madelyn Fitzgerald Foster, Jake Fitzgerald pays his own way and the same holds true for what or who belongs to Jake Fitzgerald. I'll gratefully accept your kindness and your willingness to care for Sarah and me, but I'm Damned if it'll come out of your pocket." Maddie smiled as a tear ran down her cheek. Jake was a real man. Jo had picked a winner. Jake had a head of steam up now, "Maddie I am honored and grateful that you would care for Sarah but I must pay the bills as I'm honor bound to do." This last brought another smile and another tear. Maddie finished the night off with a suggestion that Jake try to get some sleep as tomorrow was going to be a hectic and full day. As jake started to pull the door open Maddie called his name. As he turned to see what she wanted Maddie whispered in a soft emotionally charged voice, "Jake, why don't you name her Sarah Jo/" When Jake closed the door the sound of the screen door was like the sound of doom. All of the emotions she'd been holding back were suddenly released. The tears cascaded down her cheeks as she began to sob uncontrollably. Once again the mantle of sorrow was wrapped around her. Yet, unlike the loss of Alex she didn't feel the loneliness only the sorrow and feeling of loss. She had to try to control herself because Jo had charged her to care for Jake and Sarah. Unlike Alex's loss when she'd lost her purpose, she now had reasons for being. Still, it was so hard to not feel the loss of a loved one and to try to not react. Maddie's sleep that night was troubled. If she could have heard herself she would have heard the room filled with her moan's of sorrow. The next morning she was up early. There was much to be done. The first was to feed Jake and herself. Next the baby furniture and clothes needed to be installed in the room next to hers. Alex's old office would need to be moved to the back bedroom for awhile. Finally they needed to go to St. Joes and bring Sarah Jo home. Fortunately just as breakfast was finished Grace and Harry, Helen and George arrived to offer their condolences. Shortly after, Stan and Anna also drove into Maddies driveway. After minutes of hugs and sorrowful condolences, Maddie issued the men their marching orders. Within two hours, Alex's study was now a complete nursery. Maddie asked Grace and Helen to host for her while she and Jake went to St. Joes to bring Sarah Jo home. The ladies weren't buying it. They wanted to see Sarah Jo NOW! The nursing staff was astounded at the crowd hovering around the nursing station demanding to see Sarah Jo. It took about 2 hours to get all of the paperwork completed, the birth certificate filled out so that all would know who the mother and father of the previously unnamed female baby were and to put her name Sarah Jo Fitzgerald in the appropriate place. Once Sarah Jo had been placed in Jake's arms for a few moments and then in Maddies everyone headed back to Maddie's house. With Sarah Jo safely in her new crib the ladies sat down to hold a war council. Maddie had never in her life changed a diaper, fed a baby, or bathed one. To put it mildly she was baby care challenged. That day school call started as the ladies (who now considered themselves to be "Almost Grandmothers"), showed Maddie and Jake the proper care and feeding of babies. Unknown to Maddie they also knew the stress of child raising up close and personal, so to make sure that Maddie had time for herself and for Jake they'd agreed to spend a couple of hours a day each tending the baby so Maddie could take a break. Now that may sound altruistic but the three of them had each determined that they were going to do things for Sarah Jo they would never have allowed themselves to do with their own children. In other words they were going to be grandparents in fact and spoil her rotten. Three days later the autopsy had been completed, the death certificates issued and the body turned over to the funeral director who handled the arrangements for Alex. The doctor explained that Jo's death was caused by a birth defect that had gone undetected all of her life. When her body was opened up it was soon discovered that a small blood vessel had never fully developed and the lining for several inches was very thin. The pressure during childbirth had finally caused a rupture. The leakage was undetectable because the blood was all leaking inside Jo's body cavity. The doctor was amazed that the rupture hadn't occurred years earlier. Maddie was again seated in the church, weeping softly as she listened to the minister begin the funeral service. Jake was also tearing up alongside of her with his hand wrapped tightly by Maddies. Alongside of her were the three dear friends who each took turns holding Sarah Jo. Amazingly the baby was so used to being passed back and forth it no longer paid attention and so the usual squalling of a baby when a transfer takes place was not present. All through the funeral, burial, and the subsequent "Hour of Sharing" Maddie's mind kept coming back to the circle of life with the blips of joy and sorrow plainly etched on it indiscriminately here and there. After the funeral a routine was very quickly established. Helen or Grace would come to the house around ten am and give Maddie a chance to do her personal errands or perhaps some shopping. In the afternoon the other neighbor would pop in to give Maddie a chance to relax in the tub and have a little bit of "me" time. Later Maddie would get a call from Jake that he was headed home and she would start supper. Jake would arrive home, shower and shave, put on clean clothes in his apartment, and come over to the house for supper. After they cleared the supper dishes Maddie and Jake would meet on the sofa and talk about whatever was on their minds as they took turns playing with and feeding Sarah Jo. About eight o'clock they'd clean her up, bath her, and lay her in her crib. Some time between nine and ten Jake would take his leave and head for his apartment and bed. Once or twice a week Stan and Ann would come over early so Jake and Maddie could get out of the house. They'd usually eat out and if the weather was decent take a walk in the park or on campus. One night Jake came into the house carrying an old fashioned cradle much to Maddie's delight. They moved the coffee table over and put the cradle on the floor midway between them. After supper they would sit and talk, taking turns pushing the cradle with their foot which was a joy to Sarah Jo who would lay in it cooing and laughing until the rocking motion put her to sleep. At Stan's behest Jake made an appointment with Stan's lawyer to draw up a will to protect Sarah Jo's and Maddie's interests. Maddie was officially named as Godmother and guardian should something happen to Jake. 1980 A month before her first birthday Sarah Jo melted Jake's and Maddie's hearts as she lay in her crib. She stretched her arms towards them and for the first time was able to say "ma - ma mad - ee" and "Da - dee." As Sarah Jo's birthday drew near Maddie began to worry. The day after her birthday would be the first anniversary of Jo's death and she worried about how he'd react. To try to lessen the anguish she arranged a first birthday party for Sarah Jo. All of the extended family were present, but the party wasn't really for Sarah Jo; How does a one year old know that she is one year old? No! the party was to try to alleviate Jake's feeling of loss. By the time of her first birthday Sarah Jo was almost double the size and weight at her birth. She had six baby teeth (and wasn't that a joy as she teethed). She was trying to walk and was successful as long as she had something to hold on to. The problem was that when she struck out on her own she'd end up on her butt after about two steps. She'd cry, not from pain, but from frustration. It was during this period of time that Maddie was taught a valuable lesson; regardless of her long legs and her ability to run, a baby on her knees intent on going somewhere is hard to catch. The day after Sarah Jo's birthday party, Maddie held Jake in her arms as they sat alone and cried in remembrance and the loss of a beloved friend and wife. 1981 As Sarah Jo headed towards her second birthday. the changes were astounding; she'd shot up like a weed and just before her birthday Jake carefully marked the long wood ruler mounted in her room at the three foot mark. She now had a mouthful of teeth and had turned into a regular chatterbox. She could be a regular tornado as she ran about (It was hard to find her walking), and best of all she was at last starting to understand what a potty was for. What follows was the result of several occurrences . . . Maddie was still having her dreams once a month of Alex making love to her except that one night as she awoke she realized it wasn't Alex who'd made love to her. It was Jake! It took several days for her to analyze and digest this. She began to realize that her feelings for him were more then friendship. What to do? Should she tell him and take the chance of perhaps destroying a loving, deep, friendship? What if he rejected her? Maddie finally did nothing because of her fears and indecision. Jake was also caught in a quandary. Being a young virile man his sexual needs were great and yet his only acceptable release was to masturbate. When his need became too great he would grasp his hard penis and stroke himself to relieve himself all the while picturing that he was making love to Jo. One night his eyes snapped opened when he saw not Jo but Maddie. What to do? Like Maddie he was afraid to express his feelings for fear of rejection and the possible destruction of their friendship, so like Maddie, out of fear and indecision he also did nothing . . . A subtle change had also occurred between Jake and Maddie. When they sat together on the sofa after Sarah Jo had been put to bed, Maddie would lay with her head on Jakes chest and he'd find his arm wrapped around her. They hadn't done any more then that until two nights before Sarah Jo's second birthday. That night as they talked about the upcoming birthday party Maddie pressed against Jake a little closer then normal. Jake's arm dropped a little lower then normal and he found his hand brushing against Maddie's braless breast. Suddenly the two of them became aware of the other in other then a friendly way as had been their custom heretofore.