4 comments/ 6864 views/ 5 favorites Love is the Strangest Thing By: HunterShambles Hi my name's Jim Sanderson, I'm six foot dead, thin, blond'ish and a Baker. At Thirty two I am still single, as was Pam, my twenty seven year old sister. I lived in a small village called Himpton at the old bakery, which I had resurrected with my share of the money from mums estate. Pam had bought a new house in a development about five miles away. Pam tended to mother me, but I couldn't get mad with her. She was a bubbly natural blonde with a to die for figure, but a distinct lack of boyfriends. She had a job in London, commuting daily. Me, I liked the simple life, and baking made me happy. Over three years I had built up a good reputation, now I thought I might need assistance as the demands of baking and selling were becoming a bit of a chore. I pulled the blind down in the window and went to lock the door, It opened just before I got there, a smart middle aged woman, well dressed, big smile came in. "Jim Sanderson?" "Yes, can I help you?" "I've come about the job, the assistant shop keeper?" "Oh yes, I thought the agency were handling it, could you wait a minute please?" "Sure." she edged in the door and stood by the counter. I closed and locked the door, drawing the blind down. "Please come through, I'll just be a minute." I sat her in the back room and walked up the stairs, fishing my phone out, I rang the Agency. "Hi, Lucy, yes it's Jim, Jim Sanderson. Yes, thanks, how are you? good, good. Lucy I have a lady here who's come about the vacancy, what! Okay, okay. I'm not sure how she knows then, okay thanks, no I'll deal with it. Bye, bye-bye." I clanked down the stairs, she still sat at the table as I'd left her. She smiled, it was a good smile, making her look very attractive. I grinned back, then assumed a more serious face. "Err, I just talked to the agency and they don't have any details for you, so I'd be interested to know how you found out about the vacancy?" "Oh! You haven't spoken to Pam then? She said it would be alright to come over, she'd have a word with you." She looked a bit taken aback, almost tearful. I smiled and looked at the land line, saw the flashing light, I had a voice-mail. I lifted my hand to gesture to her to keep sitting and walked to it. Pressing the button, we both heard my sisters voice asking me to see her friend Jenny about the vacancy, she's very nice and needs a job to make ends meet, she said. After saying she'd see me soon, the player clicked off. I turned and smiled at her and made an "I'm such an idiot" gesture, she shook her head and smiled again. "So Jenny, I know now you're Pam's friend and you need a job, so why not tell me some more about yourself?" "Well! err... phewth, umm, well I'm thirty nine and single, well divorced actually, thankfully no children. I live over in Bilton next door to Pam, and I'm jobless after my firm made me redundant in June last year. I've had a lot of temporary jobs since but haven't been able to find anything permanent." "Okay, so this is a small one man business, I make and sell bread, cakes and pastries, I need someone who can be here on time all the time, isn't afraid of hard work and is personable and can strike up a rapport with customers. Can you do that?" "I can, trust me, I'm a people person, I like meeting people and talking to them." "I'd like you to sell them cakes and pastries too," I grinned. She giggled and I felt that she would fit right in, there was something basically nice about her. I liked her straight away, I said I would phone the agency and say the post was filled, when could she start? "Ohh, how about tomorrow, is that too soon?" "That Jenny would be perfect, so shall we say about seven thirty tomorrow morning. I'll be down at five to start up and get the first batches in. I bake three times a day dependent on trade, so we'll be busy all day. Finally we need to talk money, I can afford about six pounds an hour, I will work out overtime with you and holidays as we go, is that OK?" "Sure, I've no holiday plans so we can leave that for the time being, what should I wear?" "I've got overalls and stuff, so if you come in and change that's best. I'll put any dirty clothing through my machine so don't worry about that. It can get mucky, so I find a need to change at least three or four times a day. I'm a stickler for clean clothing in front of customers. I have hats and nets too as we'll need to keep your hair covered. If you cut yourself, I have blue band aid's which must be worn. So you'll need to change any dressing when you arrive in the morning." "Okay got that, well see you tomorrow morning." "Oh finally, wear thin clothes as it gets extremely hot in the kitchen area. I tend to wear just boxers under my overalls, but you must wear whatever you feel is appropriate, but remember it's comfort over fashion OK?" "Gotcha Boss," she grinned. I laughed and walked her to the door. "Don't ever call me boss again, " I said smiling, "It makes me feel ancient, night Jenny see you tomorrow." I closed up and began to sort the stock, what could be refrigerated, what would be scrapped. The stuff that couldn't be sold tomorrow I placed in crates by the back door. At six fifteen there was a knock at the back door and Sister Alice-Maria and another nun came in, I helped them load the crates into their van. I knew it went to help the homeless and I was glad to help. I hated wasting food, and this way at least someone deserving got some food in their belly. I finished tidying and went upstairs to my flat. Opening the fridge I took out some pate and salad items, finding the bread I constructed a three layer sandwich, found a beer and went to the lounge. Sitting in my favourite chair, I sat back to enjoy a meal in the peace and quite. I must have dozed off because it was nine thirty and bedtime. I trotted to the bathroom, cleaned my teeth, had a strip wash and a pee. I went to bed and went off almost immediately. At five I woke and showered and put on clean boxers and socks. I looked in the mirror, I'd leave shaving today, with light colour hair and skin, I could get away without shaving for a day or so. Going downstairs I pulled on a fresh pair of overalls and slipped into my clogs. I put the oven on, a big commercial beast, which took the trays of baking in on a wheeled trolley. I started a dough mix and found my previously mixed dough from yesterday. I set it up to finish its prove and made my way to the mixers. I started to mix in the ingredients for the cakes for today. Busying myself I lost track of time until the front doorbell went. Remembering Jenny, I walked to the door and let her in. She grinned and pulled her coat off. I showed her the overalls and she went in the back to change. She came back in and was pinning her hair up under a net. I showed her around and started her on transferring the proving loaves into the racks. When she'd done that I showed her how the oven worked and we pushed the first batch in. Closing the door, I saw her face reddening in the heat and she blew out her cheeks, as the door closed. "I warned you about the heat," I said grinning, she nodded and fanned herself with a hand. "Phew, you did, but it still a surprise," she said and grinned. We worked steadily through the day. True to her word she seemed eager to go into the shop and talk to the customers and take their orders. At the end of the day the stock had sold well, better than the day before, some shelves were empty. "Okay, well now we need to work out what we can refrigerate and sell tomorrow and what is going to the convent for the homeless run they do." Jenny seemed pretty impressed I had an arrangement for the out of date stock. I explained how Sister Angela-Mary, the Mother Superior, had come to me and asked for my help. I liked her at first meeting and was glad to join her band of suppliers. I'm not at all religious but her faith and enthusiasm got me straight away. Jenny nodded and we set too. Soon we were tidied and finished. I told her we were done and left her to change. When I came back she had the overalls she'd worn during the day folded on the table. I let her out and locked up. I put all the overalls in the machine and set the cycle for wash and dry. Turning off the lights downstairs I went up to my flat. This continued happily for some weeks, Jenny and I worked out a pattern of work and seemed to know which way the other would go, thus avoiding banging into each other and losing a batch. Jenny was a big hit with the customers and more and more came to trust her advice on what was good that day. Lunch was taken in the backroom, a hurried ten minutes each, just time to shovel down a sandwich and a quick drink. Jenny also proved adept at managing to find a few minutes to make a hot drink for both of us, although I frowned on having it in the shop area. She was also brilliant at appearing to go out one door and come in the other having changed overalls. I always grinned at her as she reappeared buttoning up the top two buttons. "You must tell me your secret?" I said once, she grinned, "I'm wearing four sets of overalls," she answered with a laugh. She had been working for me for about six months when she asked for a couple of days off, her mother was ill and she wanted to visit. Despite the extra load it would cause, I immediately said yes and she touched my arm, mumbling a thanks. So from Wednesday until the end of the week, I don't open Sundays, I worked alone. I was then reminded how hard it was doing this by myself. I also missed her being there, her smile, her chatter with customers. They missed her too. I had lots of good wishes for her Mum to pass on to her. Saturday evening I had a call from Pam, telling me that Jenny's Mum had died and she wouldn't be in next week, the funeral was Thursday. Pam would get flowers from us and attend as well. I was sad for Jenny, since Pam and I had lost our mother several years ago and it still hurt. I said it was OK, jokingly asking if Pam could fill in for Jenny. She giggled and said no it was a nice offer, but she had a day job. We chatted some more and I promised to come over for a meal, she pressed and before I could say no, she got me to agree to tomorrow week for lunch. I sighed, how did my little sister do this to me. Ever since she was born that minx had me wrapped round her finger. I grinned into the phone, "Poo, how do you do it, I can never, ever say no to you, can I?" Poo was a family nickname from way back. She laughed heartily, ""Cos I am your bestest wickle sister," She said in her little girl voice. "You are Poo and I love you for it." "So say eleven thirty for drinks, lunch at midday, then you can get back and get ready for Monday." "You are the best little sister ever Poo, thanks, see you next week." "Come by taxi, don't drive here, promise?" "I promise, now I'm knackered and I'm going to bed, see you next Sunday," "Nighty-night big brother, sleep well." She clicked off and I put the receiver down. My first thought was for poor Jenny. She must be devastated, could I do anything? I scratched around for any ideas, flowers, a card, what? On impulse I dialed Pam again, "..Four two eight, hallo?" "Poo, do you think it would be a good idea to ask Jenny to lunch too, she's probably in need of company and she shouldn't be on her own." "Jim, that's a great idea, leave it with me, that's so kind big brother, I'm proud of you." "It's just.. well she's a lovely lady and.." "Sweet, no problems Jim, I'll arrange it, bring flowers, for her." "Yes, good, right OK, see you." I put the phone down grinning. Then an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion came over me, I sat down at the table and put my head in my arms. I must have dropped off, it was dark and quiet. I checked the locks again, and went upstairs, dragging my clothes off I climbed into bed and pulled the duvet over me. I was out for the count and didn't wake until eight thirty. A real lay-in for me. I lazed around in my bathrobe and boxers all day and watched TV and read the book I'd started months ago. I loved a free Sunday. The next week was hectic and I was flat out on my feet every evening, if anything showed the workrate Jenny put in this did, I owed her a bonus, that's for sure. By Saturday I'd had it, closing up I tidied and put everything away ready for Monday, then staggered upstairs to bed. Getting up on Sunday I treated myself to a long lazy shower, shaved and inspected myself in the mirror. Despite my crap diet, I was pretty fit, almost athletic, I inspected myself carefully, not bad I thought. Dressing casually I collected my keys and wallet, put on a light jacket and phoned the cab company. I then remembered the flowers I'd said I'd bring, or rather that Poo said I should bring. I walked two doors down to the florists, and told the lady what I needed. On impulse I said cost wasn't a problem. So ten minutes later I was standing outside my shop with sixty quids worth of greenery in a beautifully wrapped bouquet. The cab driver pulled over and we carefully put them in the boot. I belted up and to my surprise he drove with care and speed over to my sisters. I saw her car but no other on the driveway next door and wondered if Jenny would be there. I paid the driver and walked across the lawn to the door. Ringing the bell I stood behind the bouquet. I heard the door open and Poo's laugh, I peeked round the flowers grinning. She pulled me in and I allowed her to steer me to the kitchen. I caught a glimpse of Jenny through the foliage, she gasped and stood. I pressed the flowers to her. Felt her hands touch mine as she gathered the bouquet into her body. I felt her tremble, then heard the sobs. Felt her move away, saw Poo put an arm round her and flick her head at me, leave us for a minute I heard Poo say in my mind. I nodded and moved to the back door, placing the flowers in the sink and walking out into the sunshine. Her garden was small but well tended, because that's how my sister was. I saw again the care she put into everything she did. In a few minutes I heard a few steps behind me and turned, Jenny came towards me and I opened my arms as she reached for me. We hugged and I swayed slightly. She held me tight for ages, I felt her body pressing tightly to me. "Thank you, the flowers are lovely, I certainly didn't expect that. I'm sorry about..." "Don't, I know that at the moment you're feeling pretty raw, I was when we lost our mother. No need to apologise. Are you OK, do you need anything?" "I could do with a stiff drink." She relaxed a little, but I continued to hold her. "Guys, drinks in the lounge, unless you want to stay outside." "Coming Poo," I shouted, feeling Jenny giggle against me. "What did you call her?" "Poo, it's a family thing, I got muddled telling people her name and said Poo, it stuck, sorry it probably sounds a bit stupid now." "No, it doesn't, you obviously really love your little sister." "That I do, but I need to find her a man," I said as I leaned in to her, "so she can mother him instead of me." I whispered in her ear. Jenny punched me lightly and moved away, without thinking I grabbed her hand, she stopped, looked down, then slid her fingers through mine, we gripped each others fingers tightly. We walked in hand in hand, Pam was sitting in the lounge. She smiled as we came in, gesturing to the sofa. We sat side by side and slipped our hands together instinctively. "So, lunch will be about thirty minutes, time to relax, kick off your shoes and unwind." Pam slipped her loafers off and lifted her legs up and under her, a drink held in her right hand. "Thanks for asking me over Pam, I haven't managed to shop since I got back, cheese on toast would be the only thing I could scratch together at the moment." She squeezed my hand, I squeezed back. I could get used to this. I had girlfriends before, but nothing major, so I wasn't sure how we were supposed to progress. Or maybe she was just grateful for the flowers and lunch. Perhaps I was reading more into this than I thought. I sat puzzled, what could I do to sort this out? I examined my feelings, Jenny was certainly pretty good looking, no she was beautiful, I risked a look at her. She must have felt my gaze as she turned to me and I saw her lips move. I smiled. "Jim, are you listening, I said I would come in tomorrow." "What? Sorry, I was miles away, you sure, I mean you can take whatever time you need." "No, I want to carry on, I need to work, I need to be busy, I'm coming in, OK?" "Err, sure, if you're sure it's what you want, I mean..." "Jim, I'm sure Jenny knows what's best for her, so that's sorted. Big Brother are you okay, you seem a bit preoccupied, nothing worrying you is there?" "No, why.. I'm sorry, look I think I need some fresh air, please excuse me." I stood feeling Jenny's hand slip out of mine. I walked outside and stood in the garden. What was I thinking, the poor girl had just lost her mother and I was jumping to seriously stupid conclusions. "Jim..." I looked up Jenny walked towards me, a look of fear on her face. I faced her, not knowing what to say or do. "Jim, I need to talk to you, I'm sure you're as confused as I am, but..." "I love you!" It came out without prompting, my heart thumped, I'd said it, out loud, I'd said it. I knew it was true, I knew it from the moment I saw her smile, as she'd slipped in the door that day. "Jim.." "I love you Jenny, I have from the moment we met, I love you totally, completely, utterly." "Jim, this is such a big thing, I...Oh God! I love you too. I love being with you, working with you, everything about you." "I was worried that I was making too much of the..." "I know, me too, I thought you were embarrassed holding my hand, because.." "No, No I thought you were just grateful for the support and I was leaping to stupid conclusions. I'm so sorry about your mother, I really am." "I know, that's part of your charm. I know you genuinely care. You've a big heart Jim Sanderson, a very big heart." Then we were kissing, there in my little sisters lovely garden. God it felt good. We held each other and time seemed to slip away. Finally we broke away and we were aware my little sister was stood in the back door frame, a wistful look on her face. "Okay young lovers, lunch is served, or I can plate it up and you can pop in when you're ready." "No, No, we're definitely coming now." Jenny giggled and I grabbed her hand as we walked up the pathway. Lunch, as prepared by Poo was magnificent, perfectly cooked and served, we fell silent as we ate and drank. Dessert was like my sister, light, sweet and delicious. We finished with a superb dessert wine and then settled down to coffee in the lounge. I excused myself and slipped back into the kitchen, proceeding to load the dishwasher and do the pots and pans. Finishing I wiped all the surfaces down and made sure everything was sparkly clean. I walked back to the lounge a grin on my face. "You've cleaned up haven't you?" Pam said with a grin. "Big brother you don't have to do it, I can clean up after myself." "I hate an untidy kitchen, anyway look on it as a little thank you for yet again a fantastic meal and company." "My pleasure Jim, now why don't you two take yourself off and sort yourselves out." "What ever do you mean?" "Jenny, you're nuts about him, he's nuts about you, go on, go home and take him to bed." "Poo!" "Jim, I'm an adult, so are you, go get her tiger, Jenny you are a very lovely woman, go home with this man and enjoy yourselves." I looked at Jenny, she at me, I grinned, she laughed, I laughed, she grabbed me. I grabbed her and suddenly we were staggering to the door, Pam behind chortling out loud. We lurched onto the step, kissed Pam effusively and Jenny dragged me next door, as I shouted a million thank you's to Poo. Jenny opened the door and pulled me in. I heard Pam's laugh disappear as Jenny whirled me round and shut the door. Next thing we were all over each other Love is the Strangest Thing We kissed, hugged, groped, pulled, pushed and fell to the floor, her legs over mine, mine over hers, rolling, me on her, her on me. My shirt over my head, her blouse thrown backwards, it was a mad, sensual, erotic, precursor to an afternoon of wild lovemaking. Later we sat in bed and talked, talked and touched. I had to go finally. Jenny insisted on driving me back. We jumped in her car, she drove carefully and quickly to the shop. Parking round the back we stole in and I locked the door behind her. She giggled and stripped, running into the shop area. I followed, struggling out of my clothes. We made love on the counter, the shop floor, in the bakery, up the stairs, into my bed. At five the alarm rudely intruded on a very pleasant dream I was having. I stopped it and slid out of bed, Jenny murmuring and reaching for me. I washed and dressed and went down stairs, I switched the oven on, and started my day. I picked up our clothes, went to the kitchen, made tea and took it and the clothes upstairs. Jenny was sat up in bed, I smiled and passed her the tea. She smiled and sat back, I sat next to her, kissed her and touched her bare shoulder. She lowered her head and kissed my hand. Reluctantly I went back downstairs. I was aware of her behind me as I mixed the batches for the cakes. I heard a rustle, then she stood next to me, moving the prepared dough into the proving trays. We worked hard for the next hour, preparing and setting up the shop. We stopped for a quick breakfast, kisses and hugs, then back to work. At Seven thirty we were ahead of ourselves and stopped for tea. "What say I stay over and help out each morning?" "Would you, that would be the best of both worlds for me." "Me too, by the way we owe Poo big for introducing us." "True, we need to find her a man, or woman to take care of." "What now you're off her hands." "No, now I have you to care for." "Sweet Jim, I do love you. Hmm, do you think Pam could be gay?" "I don't know, she's had so few boyfriends, I just sometimes wonder, you know?" "Hmm, okay, I'll buy that, though she's never said anything to me." "Maybe she fancies you and doesn't want to scare you off." "Right and introducing me to her hunky brother means she gets to see me more often." "Something like that," She giggled a naughty girl giggle, I kissed her nose, then we went back to work. Later we closed and after a meal she went home to collect a few clothes and essentials, returning in time to snuggle up to me as we went to bed. Jenny stayed over every night, until Saturday, when we went to her place, We'd invited Poo round for a meal and had a fantastic evening. Slightly drunk I asked Poo if she was gay. "Why do you ask?" she said laughing. I explained my theory, she grinned and lay back in the chair. "If I said it was true, what would you think?" "I'd think you were my beautiful brilliant sister, who I love unconditionally and who I hoped would find a soulmate to share her life with." "Jenny?" "I love you like you were my sister, I too would hope you find a soul mate to care for and love you like you deserve." "Well I'm not, but if I were that would be the best support I could wish for." She laughed and tucked her legs under her bottom. "Right Jim we need to compile a list of eligible fit men for Poo." "Jen, no you don't!" "Yes we do, we're ridiculously happy, you should be too." "Jim, I am happy, trust me, I couldn't be happier, just seeing you two together makes me happier than I can say." "Awww" "Jim, seriously!" I looked at Jenny's stern face, as it crumpled into laughter, she had me there. Later in bed, we discussed my sister and the men we knew, who were free, and not serial shaggers or gay. Then we slept, facing each other, arms wrapped round each other. A few months later Poo phoned and asked us to come to a concert at the local town hall concert room. She was almost begging, so we said yes, but asked who's performing, we heard her grin on the speakerphone, "Me, I joined a Rock Choir about three months ago." "Wow you kept that quiet." "Full of secrets me." So it was agreed and on Saturday we joined a stream of people entering the hall. The lights dimmed and we vaguely saw the choir walking on. The lights came up and there was spontaneous applause. The conductor came on and bowed. Four people were on one side with an organ, drums, bass and lead guitar. With a slow movement the choir broke into Bohemian Rhapsody, the crowd cheered. At the break, the drummer and bassist piled in as the lead guitar soared, the Choir all rocking their heads like the guys in Waynes World. it was stunning. We stamped and clapped, cheered and whistled. That opener set the tone as the Choir rocked through a mini Commitments set, then Blues Brothers numbers. We laughed and cheered. The finale for the first half was a sixty year old man who belted out "Love Hungry Man", the old AC/DC number, unbelievable, the guitarist was hot. We had the interval and were shepherded back to our seats. The Choir reassembled, this time we had a quieter more gospel inspired set. By now the audience would have cheered them sneezing. About half way through, Jenny nudged me, Poo was making her way to the front. We watched as the band got ready. Poo opened her mouth and her voice soared above us, it was beautiful. I held Jenny's hand, she squeezed mine. Poo sang Spandau Ballet's "True" like she owned it and the Choir moved in a wall of sound behind her. I felt a lump in my throat, Mum would have loved this. I felt the tears running, I sobbed and Jenny hugged me. At the end I jumped up and clapped wildly, joined by many others. Poo walked back to her place, the Choir, touching her arms or back congratulating her. Afterwards we joined her backstage, which was heaving as most of the audience were relatives of the performers. We struggled through the throng and found her with the drummer, whose name was Pete something. Anyway we ended up at the local Indian, the four of us and we talked a storm. Pete had met Poo at the station and had plucked up the courage to ask her to come to rehearsals and they had been going together ever since. He was twenty nine and in advertising. He'd played drums since he was seven and he loved it. Rock Choir had needed a drummer and the bassist mentioned Pete, who had been at school with him. One rehearsal later and he was hooked. We split the bill and went back to Poo's, Pete had a back pack, we guessed he was staying over. Later after drinks we excused ourselves and left for Jenny's bed next door. We made love slowly and passionately, in tune and attuned to the other. Sleeping late, we were woken by a ring at the doorbell. I pulled on my trousers and went downstairs. Opening the door I found Pete, also bare chested. "Pam says do you want to join us for breakfast, I'd say yes, I've seen what's in the fridge." He grinned as I nodded. "Good Pam says twenty minutes and hurry." He turned and waved a hand in goodbye. I went up to Jenny, she laughed and we headed for the shower. As we washed and cleaned together I had a thought. "Jen, this is probably the wrong moment, but, would you please marry me." "God yes, I thought you'd never ask." She grinned and hugged me, we finished up and dried and dressed. We went next door for breakfast. Poo stood in the kitchen an amused look on her face, Pete beside her. "I've asked Jen to marry me," I grinned, "I said Yes," Jen squeaked and hugged me. Poo moved to hug us both, then pulled Jen into a hug of her own. Pete held his hand out, I shook it and he pulled me into a man hug. I switched places and hugged Poo. I felt her tears on my neck. I put my hand against her face and kissed her cheek. We sat down to breakfast and talked endlessly. The four of us got on so well. After, as we tidied up, I grabbed Poo, I hugged her again, "I wish Mum was here," she said, I nodded, that would have been perfect. I held her and we just couldn't let go. Jenny touched my back, then steered Pete into the lounge. We collected ourselves and went to join the other two, found them arm wrestling, calling each other cheat. Then Jenny tickled Pete who wriggled and lost concentration. She flung his hand onto the table. Standing she raised both hands above her head, clasped in Victory. Pete jumped up and grabbed her, tickling her relentlessly. We had to join in, I went for Pete and we jostled around the room, Poo had Jenny on the sofa, tickling her as she sat astride her waist. Pete had me in an arm lock as we both realised we were puffing and panting. I tapped his back and he let go, we held each other up, watching the girls. They too were panting, Poo slipped off Jenny, who lay full length, sucking in air. We sat down, Jenny swinging her legs round so I could sit next to her. Pete sat in the arm chair, Poo folding herself into his lap. He put an arm round her and held her hand. As our breathing slowed to normal, we grinned and looked at each other. Soon we were deep in conversation again. Arguing who was the victor. Challenges thrown out, good natured ribbing. A perfect Sunday morning. To soon Jenny and I left for the bakery. Jenny wanted Poo and Pete to come over next week for a meal at the bakery. They agreed and we parted, arriving back to find everything as we'd left it. We talked over the mornings set up and settled into bed. To be continued...