Stuck Together

by Jamie Knight

  I served up two bowls of ice cream. One chocolate, one raspberry ripple. I put the buckets away and considered the bowls carefully.

  “How do we feel about marshmallows?”

  “On ice cream?” Jess asked, as though such an idea had never occurred to her.

  “Sure, why not. Let's go crazy!”

  “Okay!”

  Helping her down, I carried both bowls into the dining room, helping the little girl up onto the chair at the table.

  Jess really was too short for most of the furniture in the house. I didn't mind, though. She would grow, and most of the stuff in the house has been there since either of us were born — I believed in having a modicum of respect for history. Besides which, it was nice that my niece trusted me to help her.

  I knew I wasn't exactly loving when I first came to live with her, and it took a while for us to build trust. Something that was going really well, but I knew it would take a lot more work. That was okay, though. I had never been afraid of hard work, and we still had years to work on it.

  I was determined to raise Jessica right. Not only for her sake or to honor Simone's memory but for my own soul.

  I had spent long enough thinking about myself. Even the supposedly altruistic things like the app really being driven by anger and revenge. It was time that I started trying to honestly help others. I was going to finish the app. I would be sued pretty hard if I didn't but had ideas for other ones driven by honest empathy for the disadvantaged rather than revenge against my perceived enemies. Coming from a place of help and love rather than selfish revenge and hate.

  That was what I finally realized Simone had meant by making the world a better place.

  We did the dishes, me washing and Jessica drying, standing on a stool so she could reach, and went up to my office. Jessica had been asking to see my guitar. I usually kept it to myself, it being one of the birthday gifts Simone had managed to get past my family in London. She had managed to get it sent to the corner shop, and the clerk had agreed to hold it for me for a price. I didn't have an amp, and wouldn't until the legal restrictions were lifted, but it was a hollow body, so I was able to play it quietly and hide it under my bed.

  I had just gotten it off the stand when my computer sounded a familiar alert. Lifting Jess up onto my lap as I sat on the chair, I clicked the icon to answer the video call. And there was my old buddy Joe, who I was reasonably sure I had added to my ever-growing enemies list, with his son James.

  “Hey, a matching set,” Joe joked, pointing to his son.

  “But I'm a girl,” Jess observed.

  “She's a sharp one,” Joe laughed.

  “Thanks,” we replied in unison.

  “Good gravy, she does take after her mother.”

  “I'd noticed. How are you guys holding up during the lockdown?”

  “We're okay. Maddie is pretty sick, but it doesn't look like it is going to be too bad. We tried to get some wipes and stuff, but the store was sold out. Thank goodness James is on solid food, or we would be in real trouble.”

  “Is there anything you need? I have connections, I could get you a care package,” I said, saying the words before I'd even really thought about them.”

  “Thanks, man, though I think we'll muddle through.”

  “Okay,” I said, reaching over to end the call.

  “Though I have to say, whatever happened to you during the lockdown, it's been good.”

  “How so?” I asked, freezing in place.

  “You're no longer a selfish jerk.”

  I laughed. I couldn't really argue with Joe there. He did speak the truth. I had been a selfish jerk only thinking about myself even when I thought I was thinking about others. The main thing that had changed was finally accepting my sister's death and my responsibility to Jess — with no small amount of help from Becky. She really was amazing. It was a bit weird how she disappeared on the weekends, but I just figured she wanted her own space and was leaving Jess and me to try and bond. I was sure I could call on the nanny if there was an emergency.

  “Was there something you wanted, Joe?”

  He paled. “I was hoping you might have given any more thought about making a donation. I shouldn't really be saying this, but we really need help. We have a lot of clients, and to be perfectly honest, things are getting pretty desperate. I just had someone get threatened with eviction even though they're not supposed to do that.”

  “What's an eviction?” Jess asked.

  “When someone has to leave their house.”

  “Oh.”

  “We need money if we are going to keep running.”

  “I would like to help. How much are you needing?”

  “Five thousand would be a good start. There are a lot of people we are trying to help, and they have almost no money right now.”

  “You'll have one hundred in your personal bank account by the end of the day on Monday.”

  “One hundred thousand?”

  “Yes.”

  “Wow!” Jessica exclaimed at the big number.

  “Thanks. Will you want a tax receipt?”

  “No need, take care,” I said.

  “You too, bud.”

  No sooner had I ended the video call than another alert popped up. It was from my mom. It had been a while since I talked to her and even though she called me. I never called her. But Jessica had asked to speak to her grandma, so there we were.

  “Oh my, you're getting big!”

  “I'm the same size, grandma.”

  “Are you?” Mom asked, giving me a hard stare as though I had been intentionally teaching Jess literalism.

  “I think so,” Jess said, less sure and looking to me for confirmation.

  “You're a bit bigger,” I said.

  “Did you do her hair like that?”

  I could tell by the tone of her voice she didn’t like the braids.

  “Yes, where did I go wrong?” I teased.

  “Oh, no, I didn't mean… I mean, I like it.”

  “Thanks, I got the idea from Wednesday Addams.”

  “Your kidding!”

  “Nope, she was funny!” Jessica said before I could deny it.

  I wasn't quite sure that The Addams Family was appropriate for a six-year-old, but she seemed to get the jokes, laughing in all the right places. She had actually asked me to do her hair like Wednesday Addams, and I had done my best approximation. The fact that her hair was already long and shiny helping with the overall effect.

  I wouldn't have been surprised if Jess grew up to be a Goth. She had all the prerequisites, including childhood trauma, high emotional intelligence, and a sensitive soul.

  “Yes, I suppose she is,” Mom agreed.

  “We have a new online game if you want to play,” I said.

  “Okay,” Mom agreed, a lot more keen than I might have thought.

  We were in the game most of the afternoon, Jessica yawning but the end, insisting she could stay up longer.

  “Time for bed, June bug,” Mom said.

  “Not tired,” Jess protested.

  “Looks to me like you are,” Mom countered.

  Jessica didn't respond, her argument lost automatically by virtue of the fact she had fallen asleep on my lap.

  “I really am proud of you, Dean,” Mom said.

  “Even though I'm a screwup?”

  “You were a screwup, dearest. Now you are a dad. Well, as near as anyway.”

  “Thanks, mom.”

  “Good night, dear.”

  I ended the call and carried Jessica to bed, humming her favorite song as I went.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Becky

  I wasn't supposed to work that weekend, but that didn't mean I couldn't do some research. Jessica would be fine with Dean, and I might as well spend the time in my room looking into how to apply to nursing school.

  I had some money put by, not a lot but a start, and I figured my mom would help. I could also get a job if it ever came down it. I knew how to work an
d find jobs when I needed them. I could probably go back to nannying if the hours worked with my studying. I had heard nursing school was really demanding, but I was also well versed in the art of the all-nighter.

  I wouldn't see Jessica or Dean, but I really shouldn't have to anyway since he was stepping up, or so was my thinking at the time. They were trying to bond, and I didn't want to get into the way of that. He was her uncle and her guardian. I was just the nanny. I was happy to help when I could, but it was also vital for them to get comfortable with each other. They had a long road ahead of them. And so, did I.

  I had to figure out what I was going to do when I left the mansion, and spending some time alone doing that would get me used to it for when I left. I hated being away from both of them. I really did love both of them in different ways. But I had to focus on my future and couldn't let my emotions steer me off course.

  Emotions really can be quite tenacious sometimes. Though I had managed to spend all of Friday and most of Saturday away from Dean and Jess, getting some useful information on the nursing program at a nearby college, I missed them both like crazy. It had barely been two days, and yet, I was still almost hurting from the separation. I wanted to sing Jess to sleep and hear Dean play his guitar before cuddling in his bed and feeling completely safe, like I was home.

  Home. That was the word I had been looking for that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Being in the mansion with them was starting to feel like home. I had a hard time imagining being anywhere else or with anyone else.

  Carried mostly by sorrow, I left my room and went to Jessica's room. She was asleep, clutching to Mr. Otter like a talisman. I kissed her on the forehead, feeling the tear rolling down my cheek.

  The office door was open when I got there. Dean was online, watching an episode of the Addams Family. It was the original black and white version with John Astin as Gomez. I just watched him for a while, too afraid to move. It was such a perfect moment; I didn't want to ruin it by doing the wrong thing.

  “Would you like to sit down?” he asked without turning around.

  “There aren't any other chairs,” I said, saying the first thing that came into my mind.

  “Good point.”

  Dean was up and across the room before I had time to react, or really notice. I guess he'd missed me too, as he gently cradled my face in his hands and kissed me full on the lips. Not making out, not even trying to put his tongue in. Just kissing me gently. Like he loved me.

  “Wow,” I whispered.

  “Come here.”

  Pulling me to him and out of the doorway, he closed the door before gently pinning me against it. I wasn't scared at all. Usually I would have been, but I knew that Dean would never hurt me. I dropped my arms to my sides and was ready for him to do whatever he wanted.

  What he did was turn me around and bend me over, my hands pressed up against the door. Pulling my pants and panties down and then off, the fact I barefoot making this much more manageable, Dean caressed me up my legs, making his way back up to my pussy.

  I was already dripping wet, waiting for his incredible tongue. Thank goodness I didn't have to wait very long. Dean gently flicked his warm, damp tongue the length of my tender pussy lips. I moaned softly, the pleasure filling me.

  He licked me to orgasm, building to his much-loved hard circles right on my clit. I put a hand over my mouth to keep me for waking Jess with my screams. Licking me clean, he stood to his full height, towering over me. Even though I could guess what was coming next, I still gasped when he started to slide his hard cock inside me — more out of pleasure than surprise.

  Dean started out softly, working the tip inside me, getting me used to the wonderful feeling before giving me even more by sliding the rest of the way in. Giving me a moment to adjust, he started pumping, slowly gaining in intensity until he was pounding me hard, as I bit my lip to keep from screaming out my pleasure.

  I really hadn't felt anything like it. Even when he had fucked me before he had never gone so hard. It hurt a little at first but not in a bad way, and soon the pain subsided, leaving me with only the most delicious pleasure.

  My knees almost buckled with orgasm. Dean grabbing my hips to hold me up so I wouldn't hurt myself.

  I straightened up as well as I could and turned into his embrace, sinking to my knees in front of him. His cock was still rock hard and throbbing, Dean not having cum once, even though he had given me two full orgasms. That just didn't seem fair, so I took his cock as far as I could, gagging a little a first and sucked him hard, pumping his shaft with my warm little mouth until he filled it with his sweet cum, looking him in the eyes the entire time. I held his gaze as I swallowed it all down.

  Helping me to my feet, Dean swooped me up into his arms. I was putty in his hands by that point, and he carried me into the bathroom in his room.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Dean

  I scrubbed her down well. Becky let me clean her all over. I took extra care with her pussy and asshole. I wanted to fuck her again, but she was still sensitive, so I just stayed to the task at hand, finishing off by gently washing her hair. Something I'd never done before but actually enjoyed.

  Getting out of the shower, I patted her down. Becky lifted her leg over the sink in a ballet move, granting me full access to her lower portions. Unable to resist any longer, I dug into a second helping of her exquisite little pussy, bringing her to her third orgasm of the evening.

  I held her until the trembling subsided then I gently guided her into my bed. Becky wrapped her, warm, naked body around me. I snuggled her back, kissing her softly. My heart was full like a baked potato with warm, loving feelings.

  True love really was the only word for it.

  “I'm sorry I disappeared,” Becky said.

  “Don't be. You are entitled to your own life. You're a nanny, not a servant.”

  “Still, I really missed you. And Jess. I just love you both so much.”

  “You what now?” I asked, having no idea she might feel the same.

  “I love you. Both of you, which is why I have to leave.”

  “Think I might need a map and a compass,” I said.

  “What, why?”

  “I'm lost again.”

  “I'm trying to be serious here!” Becky protested.

  “Okay, but why do you have to leave?” I asked.

  “I'm afraid I've been thinking—”

  “A dangerous pass-time.”

  “I know. None the less, I've realized that you don't really need me anymore. You and Jess are really bonding, and you're going really well with her.”

  “Thank you,” I said, meaning it.

  “You're welcome. You've really changed for the better, Dean. I wasn't sure why at first. When you first came out of your room after—”

  “My breakdown,” I said bluntly.

  “I was trying to be more gentle than that.”

  “No need, I can take it,” I said.

  “I thought something was missing, and now I’ve seen what it was.”

  “Enlighten me.”

  Becky paused then. More than likely looking for the gentlest way to say it, even though it really just left me in suspense that much longer. “I want to say your demons, but that sounds a bit more metaphysical than I mean.”

  “Sounds about right to me,” I said.

  “You're not just saying that because we're naked together, are you?”

  “It's certainly a factor, but my statement still stands. History will vindicate me.”

  “Calm down Fidel, I just wanted to be sure.”

  “You know who that is?” I asked a bit surprised.

  “My mom is an old hippie. Of course, I know who Fidel Castro is. I had a Che T-shirt until I was eighteen.”

  “Then what happened?”

  “I went to college and even the teachers were wearing them. Most of them not even knowing who he was.”

  “Like non-Catholics celebrating St. Patrick's day,” I said.

  �
��Yeah, pretty much. Anyway, I was really only here to be the nanny and help with Jess. Then all this happened.”

  “Do you regret it?”

  “No, of course not, but how long can it really go on? I have to think about the future. So, I've decided that when the lockdown is over, I'm going to apply to nursing school. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. I gave a good shot at being a ballerina, more of a childhood dream than an actual career aspiration, but that's not going to happen anymore, and I'm no longer needed as a nanny. Which I honestly loved, but it is time to get serious and decide what I am going to do with the rest of my life.”

  “And you have to leave to do that?” I asked, still confused.

  “I won't be the nanny anymore.”

  “So? Where is the school?” I asked.

  “Here. In New York, I mean.”

  “So, you could go to nursing school and live here?”

  “Well yeah, but wouldn't that be weird. I mean, we’re not even a couple?”

  “I seem to remember a lot of coupling,” I pointed out.

  “Well, yeah, but I don't remember any sort of commitment or anything. For all I know, you could throw me over at any time.”

  “Do you really think I would do that?” I asked.

  Another long pause. I took some comfort in the fact that she was thinking about it before responding. “No.”

  “Exactly. Listen, I can't promise you everything, but I can tell you this much. I love you, Becky, and I want you to stay. If you want to go to nursing school, I am more than ready to support you in that. I'll even pay your tuition if you want.”

  “You don't have to.”

  “But I want to, and I can. We need more nurses, and you could help a lot of people. I would consider it paying forward.”

  “Well, yeah, that would be awesome, actually. It's costly.”

  “I'm not surprised.”

  “You really want me to stay?”

  “Forever if possible.”

  “I don't think it is, but we can give it a good try.”

  Becky kissed me softly, slipping her tongue into my mouth. I returned her gentle affections, letting her know that they were very much mutual. Pulling away, she shifted onto her back, spreading her legs wide.