The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20

by Jacqueline Druga

  “Is he gonna make it?” Ellen asked.

  “It’s hard to say right now. I know he’ll never walk again” Dean hunched at the loud children’s shrieks from the living room. “I guess a quiet evening alone with you is out of the question.”

  “No work at home tonight?”

  “I wasn’t planning on it.”

  “We can still have quiet evening.” Ellen pulled Dean closer to her.

  “With Frank?” Dean put his arms around her.

  “We’ll ignore him.”

  “Ignore Frank?”

  Ellen pressed her body against him. “Just kiss me. I’ve missed you.”

  Smiling, Dean ran his hand up her back to under her hair. He lowered his lips to hers with a moan and started to kiss Ellen.

  “All right,” Frank said loudly as he walked into the kitchen, causing Dean and Ellen to stop. “I would appreciate the mushy Mike and Carol Brady antics not happening in front of me.”

  Dean huffed in irritation. “Frank.”

  “What? Oh hey Dean, you want me to go home.” Frank laughed. “Wait, I am.”

  Not letting him get to him, Dean released Ellen and kissed her quickly.

  “Uh!” Frank shrieked.

  “Stop that,” Dean scolded. “El, I’m gonna get changed.”

  “I’ll get your dinner ready.”

  “Thanks.” Dean walked tiredly from the kitchen,

  “Isn’t that nice?” Frank said sarcastically.

  “Frank, what are you up to?”

  “Last I checked it was two-forty or somewhere in the vicinity.”

  Ellen shook her head. “You know what I mean. Your living here.” She took Dean’s plate and placed it in the microwave.

  “El, I don’t have a house. It’ll be a while until I get one of these babies. And . . . you and Dean, this marriage thing . . .”

  “This marriage thing?”

  Frank laid his finger on her lips to silence her. “It isn’t fair. You said you would marry me. How do you think that makes me feel?”

  “Frank.”

  “Bad.” Frank nodded. “And so, if I can’t have you . . .” Frank winked. “Neither will he.” Frank started to leave the kitchen. “At least not easily, he won’t.”

  Dean was feeling his exhaustion with each step he took. As he walked into his bedroom, he reached for the door to close it and scraped his hand against the edge of it. The door didn’t budge. Odd. Dean looked at it and tried to close it again. He gave it all he had and still nothing. “El?” he called out, heading back to the living room. “El? How did the bedroom door get broken?”

  Ellen looked curiously. “The bedroom door is broken?”

  “Yeah, it won’t shut,” Dean replied.

  “It’s not broke,” Frank said.

  “Yeah, it is,” Dean argued.

  “No, it isn’t. I cemented the hinges.”

  “You what!” Dean blasted. “You cemented our hinges? How am I supposed to shut our door, Frank? What about privacy?”

  Frank smiled.

  Dean, still on that vow that he wouldn’t let Frank see that he got to him, headed back to the bedroom. Mumbling all the way there, Dean walked in his room, grabbed his clothes from the dresser, and went into the bathroom. Just as he stepped in, he paused. A white dust sprinkled on the floor caught his attention. Bending down, Dean picked some up and ran it through his fingertips. ‘Plaster?’ Dean questioned in his mind. Standing, he looked around the room. He didn’t see any holes in the wall. Figuring it was something else Frank did, Dean braced himself for anything and went into the bathroom to change.

  Jess Boyens’ blue eyes lit up and sparkled whenever he watched Robbie. Even something as simple as watching Robbie do his hair amused Jess. The way Robbie, with nowhere to go would still--as if he were in the old world--take time to make his appearance neat. Of course Jess didn’t understand Robbie’s method of thinking when it came to his hair. Jess wore his hair neatly cut--thanks to Bentley the town barber. Robbie had his hair cut in an inch long clipped cut, which would have looked just fine after Robbie showered, but Robbie insisted on putting ‘hair hold’ on his hair as it dried making the top stick up in all different directions. To Jess, it made Robbie look like the child that somehow was still inside of him.

  Robbie never noticed the stares. Usually they came when the two of them were engrossed in conversation. Jess figured either Robbie didn’t notice or he said nothing. Credit had to be given to Robbie, at least in Jess’ book. Robbie was aware of how Jess felt and what Jess was, but Robbie didn’t let that deter him from keeping his friendship with Jess or keeping Jess as a roommate. With the exception of a few people, Robbie was the only one who knew Jess was gay. Jess didn’t look gay, nor did he act the way the old world perceived a gay man to act. Tall, built, strong, blonde, and handsome, the women pegged him a tie with Blake, the soap opera God, as best looking. He had two offers from two different women, which was quite a compliment to Jess considering there were only eighteen women in a community with hundreds of men. Jess didn’t want those women. He wanted Robbie, more than he should and in a way he could never have. But Jess had to accept that. He decided, whether it hurt or not, he would stay that valuable friend to Robbie and never try to push it again.

  “Jess?” Robbie walked out of the bathroom door and past Jess who was standing there. “Did you want something?”

  “Um . . . yeah.” Jess snapped his fingers. “I wanted to remind you to take that salsa over to Ellen. I made her some.”

  “That was nice.” Robbie grinned with a swat to Jess’s arm. “Bearing gifts for El is always a bonus.” Robbie headed to the steps.

  “Is that why you’re doing your hair?”

  Robbie snickered as he walked down the stairs. “What do you mean?”

  “To look good for Ellen?”

  “Of course.”

  “Robbie.” Jess followed him across the living room. “Frank is there. Frank’s your . . .”

  “Brother, I know.” Robbie moved to the dining room. “This it?” He pointed to a bowl.

  “Yes and it’s not right.”

  “Did you not have the right ingredients?” Robbie asked.

  “That’s not what I mean.” Jess stopped him. “Frank is back. He and Dean have kids with Ellen. They need to take the opportunity and really make an understanding work. Now’s the chance. Maybe, maybe it’s time you sit down and just lay back and stop . . . pining for Ellen.”

  Robbie chuckled. “Dean said nothing about giving the understanding to Frank. In fact . . .”

  “I know. Dean said some nice things about you. You and Dean could actually have an understanding that works. I believe that. But . . . Frank loves her. He’s loved her forever and . . . why are you smiling?”

  “I can’t help it.”

  “I’m being serious.”

  “Yeah, but you complimented me. You think I’m a threat to Frank and Ellen.”

  “Hell yeah.” Jess nodded. “And is it fair to Ellen? She has an obligation to you she tries to fulfill.”

  “Jess.” Robbie winked. “El and I are friends. And . . .” Robbie picked up the bowl of salsa. “There are no women anymore, at least not enough. And . . . it’s not fair. I don’t want to be with Ellen to get sex even though . . .” Robbie snickered “It wouldn’t be bad perk. I just want to keep our closeness, our time, that companionship I get from a woman. That’s all. The other women, I guess I could, pine . . .” Robbie chuckled. “Over them. But how fair is it to them? How many men are they juggling as well? They have one to live with, one to sleep with, one to give comfort and talk to . . . they divide up their time as much as possible. If I’m going to be intrusive in a woman’s life, it’s going to be Ellen’s.” Robbie started walking and stopped. “God, did that sound wrong or what?”

  “Take the salsa.” Jess waved his hand to him.

  Robbie paused in opening the door. “Jess, when I was fifteen, I use to sunbathe with Ellen in her yard. I . . . I’ve wanted her si
nce I realized how cool it was to watch her stomach move up and down when she breathed and seeing those little beads of sweat form on her . . .”

  “Robbie, that’s sick.”

  “Yeah.” Robbie grinned an ornery grin then shuddered. “O.K. I’m out of here . . .”

  “Robbie.”

  Robbie stopped and looked back.

  Jess was holding up a book. “You wanna take this?”

  “Shit. Yes. Thanks.” Robbie hurried in and took it. “You wanna come over and hang out for a while? Frank’s back. At the very least we can have fun irritating Dean.”

  “Sure, why not?” As he walked to the door, Jess paused at the closet.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Getting my coat.”

  “It’s not even cold.” Robbie opened the front door wider.

  “It’s winter.”

  “Pansy.” Robbie allowed Jess to walk out first, then pulled the door closed as he left.

  It was quiet as Dean ate, which made for easier digestion. But his suspicious eyes kept shifting up from the dining room table to the empty living room, as if waiting.

  “There are pros to him living here,” Ellen stated as she sat with Dean.

  “Like what, El?”

  “He cooks better than you or I.”

  “He should find his own place,” Dean said.

  “He bathed the kids. We hate that.”

  “Well . . .” Dean bobbed his head.

  “Who’s putting them to bed?”

  “El, he cemented our bedroom door. Our bedroom door!” Dean dropped his fork. “What about when I want to make love to you?”

  “You can still make love to me.” Ellen scooted her chair closer.

  “Yeah when he’s not around, or in the bathroom. I’ll want to make love to you in our bed at night. Some time that urge will strike me.” Dean picked up his fork, pouting. “In fact, I wanted to . . . tonight.” He played with his food and smiled when he felt Ellen’s lips on his cheek. “El, tell me he’s not breaking us up.”

  “He’s not breaking us up,” Ellen whispered. “I vowed, Dr. Hayes, to make this marriage work with you and unless you do something to totally screw it up . . .”

  “Which I won’t.”

  “Which you won’t so we’ll be together for a very, very long time.”

  Smiling, Dean turned his head and kissed Ellen.

  “Uh!” Frank walked into the living room. “Enough.” He pulled out a chair at the table. “Kids are in . . .”

  A single knock on the front door was all the Robbie-warning they had. “Hey, Frank. El . . . Dean.” Robbie walked in with Jess behind him. He moved to the dining room table, set down the salsa, pulled out a chair, and sat. So did Jess.

  Ellen grinned as she brought the bowl closer. “For me?” She looked at Jess.

  “For you,” Jess said proudly. “It’s fresh too.”

  “I’ll get the chips.” Ellen sprang up. “I can’t believe I ate that last batch so fast.”

  Frank tipped the bowl his way. “Looks good.” He stuck his finger in it and nodded. “You made this, Jess?”

  “Yep.”

  Ellen returned with the chips. “And these. He makes homemade tortilla chips. Try one.” She pushed them to Frank.

  “Impressive,” Frank lifted a chip.

  “Speaking of impressive . . .” Dean lifted his fork. “You should taste these special eggs he makes, Frank since you’re the big food guy.”

  “I like to eat.” Frank dipped his chip and ate it. “Oh, this is excellent.”

  Dean swallowed his food. “We actually had Jess make dinner for us.”

  “And his cheesecake,” Robbie added. “You like cheesecake, Frank. Jess, you should make one for Frank.”

  “I will.” Jess nodded and folded his hands.

  “Cheesecake?” Frank questioned as he grabbed another chip.

  “Don’t forget the sour rabbit.” Ellen nodded and brought about agreeing verbal nods from Robbie and Dean.

  Frank swung his views to Jess. “Wait a second. Salsa, chips, special eggs, dinner, cheesecake, sour rabbit. You do all this shit?”

  “Yes. And I clean too.”

  “Wha? Are you gay?” Frank grabbed a chip. The table went silent.

  Jess looked at him seriously. “Yes.”

  “Right.” Frank shoved the chip into his mouth.

  “Oh.” Robbie snapped his fingers. “Here El.” He pushed the book forward. “Elliott sent that for you.”

  “Behind the Brady Bunch.” Ellen grabbed the book. “This is great.”

  “Who’s Elliott?” Frank asked.

  “Sgt. Ryder.” Robbie answered.

  “Who?”

  Ellen huffed. “Sgt. Ryder. I can’t believe you don’t remember. He went back to Bowman before Hal. He was the one that freed you when we were taken prisoner.”

  “Oh.” Frank nodded. “The Mexican looking guy.” Suddenly Frank’s expression changed when the thought of what Elliott looked like hit him. “El, why is he sending you books?”

  “Why is he sending you books?” Dean asked.

  “To be nice.” Ellen flipped through the pages. “Oh look, a special section about Greg and Florence Henderson.” She snickered.

  Robbie shrugged. “Anyhow, he’s looking forward to talking with you, Frank because your Hal’s brother. Speaking of Hal.” Robbie nodded. “He’s anxious for you to come down there.”

  “Oh yeah?” Frank was impressed.

  “Yep,” Robbie said. “He wants your advice on running things.”

  Jess quickly looked at Robbie then shook his head.

  Frank, engrossed in his chips, looked up, “I’ll make sure I give him my advice when I go down.”

  Dean smiled. “You’re going to Bowman?”

  “Hey!” Ellen yelled, reached out, and smacked Frank’s hand. “Quit eating all my chips.”

  “Easy, El. Jess will make you more.” Crunching loudly and hovering the bowl of salsa even closer to him, Frank looked at Dean. “Yeah I’m going to Bowman.”

  Dean grinned.

  “Day after tomorrow . . . . when I take El down. We’ll be back the day after that.”

  Dean tossed his hand up. “Swell.” As his hand hit the table, a polite knock was heard at the door, followed by Danny’s Hoi’s head popping in..

  “Hey.” Danny grinned and stepped inside.

  Dean leaned back in his chair. “Grand Central Station.”

  “Funny.” Danny snickered. “I know you don’t mind me being here, Dean. After all, I got you this house. And . . . you signed a favor slip.”

  Dean cringed, gave up, and tried to eat again.

  “I’m here to ask Ellen for a favor,” Danny said. “El, Jenny said you may have a disk I can use. I have to load some stuff on for the paper.”

  “Are you out?” Ellen asked.

  “Yep.” Danny walked to the table and stole a chip. “I can get more when I run into New Bowman tomorrow, but I need one now. Jenny said you save a bunch of shit. I’ll print stuff up for you in exchange.”

  Ellen grinned. “That sounds great. Come on.” She stood up from the table. “Follow me.” She led him to the hall.

  Danny followed and paused. “Are you taking me . . .” He raised his voice higher. “To the bedroom?”

  Ellen laughed and led him to her and Dean’s room. “Don’t try to shut the door. Frank cemented the hinges.”

  Danny stopped to look at it. “Funny. Good thinking on his part though.” He walked over and sat on the bed.

  Ellen opened her top drawer and pulled out a small box. “I just have a few disks. They’re nowhere near filled. so you can squeeze stuff on them.” She handed four of them to Danny. “If you can print up or find a way to print up the blue one, I’d appreciate it. That was all Josh’s school work.”

  Danny tapped the disk on his hand. “Consider it done. What’s this? Robbie-Ellen letters.”

  Ellen, with her arms folded, moved closer to him. “Oh, that’s
the file of mine and Robbie’s email. We had quiet the correspondence thing happening for a while.”

  “Any juicy ones?” Danny asked.

  “Most. Pretty funny. Some are . . . well, raunchy. Don’t tell Frank.”

  Danny smiled. “I won’t. Can I read them?”

  Ellen took a moment to think. “Sure go on. What the hell?”

  “Thanks.” Danny slid the disks into his tee shirt pocket. “And I appreciate you lending me these.” Danny started to stand up and he stopped. He peered up at the ceiling.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “You have . . .” He walked across the room and bent down. “Plaster on your floor. Wonder where . . .” He looked around some more. “I’ll stop by tomorrow and check the structure and stuff. I don’t see anything.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Danny looked once more and started to leave the bedroom. “I guess I’ll leave you to your Slagel party. Poor Dean.”

  Ellen laughed.

  Danny walked into the living room. “See you guys!” He called out then halted and walked over to Robbie and stood behind him. “Hey, check out what I got permission to read.” From his pocket he pulled the disk and covered it as he brought it to Robbie’s eyes. As he pulled it away, he gave Robbie a pat on the back. “See ya.”

  Robbie sat there with his hands folded on the table in wonder and then it hit him when he heard the door shut. “Shit.” He stood up and raced to the door. “I have to go.” He flung it open and stopped bouncing in antsiness. “El, you . . . do . . . why . . . you know . . .it’s . . . fuck.” Robbie flew out.

  Dean, like Frank and Jess, looked at Ellen. “What was that all about?”

  “I don’t know.” Ellen started eating her chips again. “It’s just a few letters Robbie and I wrote to each other when he was in the service. No big deal.” Ellen ate her chips nonchalantly. She noticed Frank snickering, “What’s so funny.”

  “Nothing.” Frank opened his mouth wide and ate a doused chip. “These are good.” Frank took another. “I was just thinking. Living here, Dean getting little man attitude, you, Robbie being Robbie, and Danny starting trouble, God, El, I missed this place. It’s great to be home.”