"Then it's a date. How long she got to go?"
"About six months, give or take a few weeks."
"Well then, I see you in seven month's give or take a few weeks."
"Nooo, you'll see me before then. I have plenty of reason to come again. Next time, she'll be with me. I'll see you then."
Shawn was back at the mall to pick the girls up. They were waiting right where he dropped them off. All smiling and waving. He sighed in relief. They jumped in all talking at once, giggling and laughing, teasing each other, and telling him about "Shrek 2" all at the same time. He smiled shaking his head. He could barely make out heads or tails of what they were saying, but they were back in his care and he could take them all home safely, dropping off the last one, he headed for the condo.
"You have fun Pum'kin, despite what's happened to your mom?"
"Yep... she'll be okay now. Plus, you know what... we actually got to talk!" She informed him happily. Shawn laughed, "You mean you got to talk at her - I can't see her strong enough to get a word in edge wise with you!" He laughed.
"Daddy! I resent that! Just for that - I'm not saying another word for the rest of the night! No... for the remaining time here! Or even better... not until we get back home to Wisconsin. And you know what?! I know what'll top that... I'm not saying another word until Sylvia comes back home! That'll teach you!" She then folded her arms across her flat chest and sat back in her seat.
"I'm gonna make you - ta - alk..." Shawn sang out teasing.
"No you're not!"
"HA! Already did... you lost..."
"Dad! That's not fair, I wasn't ready yet!"
"HA! Did it again, that was eight words! You're talkin'!"
"Um em..." She mumbled laughing.
"That's two more words!" He laughed.
"They are not words!"
"HA! Those are... did it again!"
"I'm not saying another word!"
"Did it again!"
"DAD! Stop it!"
"Did it again... you're talking!"
"That's cheating dad!"
"Boy you're sure not talkin' kid!"
Before long Angela was laughing so hard, she was in tears trying not to talk, while feeling frustrated as her father went on to force more words from her mouth as she struggled not to speak to him again. They made it back to the condo and began getting their things together to make it to the airport the next morning. With anticipation, Shawn went to his laptop to see if he had any emails from Sylvia... there was another one.
From: Sylvia M. McPherson
Date: 05/13/2004 04:15:28
To: Everett Styles
Subject: What A Day I've Had...
Well my dear husband,
Remember me telling you that there were things I wanted to do for me? Well guess what? I started it today! The list... my very own - to do list! I just happened by this particular place and noticed they were a bit slow...so I thought... why the heck not... right? I mean, I took a much needed break from writing, hit a bit of a writers block and decided to go for a stroll. That's when I saw this place and realized that they did one of the things I've always said I'd like to do, but never had the nerve to do it. I DID IT TODAY!!! Oh Shawn... wait until you see what I've done... hehehehe. I'm not telling you of course what that is... you'll find out soon enough - wicked!
Anyway, there are ten things on the list. I can now draw a line through one of them. I have nine to go. I'm getting ready to do the next thing now, but I had to email you first before I did... only to say that I love you so much. I day dream about you all the time, and I'm in such a heightened feeling of anticipation for when I see you again. Guess what... I had a dream last night that you were here with me... and that you ummm, well... lol... you know - oh my goodness, I woke up sooo turned on! It was so real Shawn! It just goes to show, you are even in my dreams when I'm in my deepest sleep... there I will find you... touching me. Oh... gotta get my mind off of that!
Also... Derrick and I talked a bit today. Baby, don't be getting mad at him. He's a man of his word, and I made him promise me. So don't be upset with him for being there for me. Also, I'm very pleased to hear that you and Jake have made up. Ironed out your differences. I still don't know if I can trust him, I suppose time will tell. Either way or regardless, know that I am in love with you. You are the man of my dreams and I could never love another.
Oh Shawn, my waist is growing thicker already! No strong or discernible bulge yet, just my pants are starting to close a bit tight, really getting snug. I've been thinking about names... like for instance... Daegan - means: Black Haired - Ian - means: God is gracious - Malin - means: Little Warrior - (my favorite) -> Manning - means: Son of a Hero - Pierce - means: Rock and last so far,Zackary - means: God remembers. So... what do you think? I haven't thought of a middle name yet, but we can think of that one together. Oh I do miss you so much... but I guess there's no sense in me saying that while I'm not willing to come home yet. I know its a contradiction Shawn, but I do miss you. Believe me I do. Yet... right now, I'm enjoying this freedom that I have. You see, there are a couple things on my list... there's no way you would let me do them, so... by getting them done now, its out of the way... right? Wouldn't you agree? LOL... oh I feel positively naughty! Now now ... not a bad naughty... nothing against us, or our commitment together - nothing like that. I am your wife and I would never do anything against our marriage to one another, so put your mind at ease right now. The couple of things aren't really that big a deal... I mean, I'm certain that thousands upon thousands of people do it all the time. I just never have. So I'm gonna!
I love you honey... with all my heart... I'm on my way out, I have an appointment to take care of that other thing on my list. I'll email you tonight, maybe... call you again? Maybe... I don't like giving you a warning... no telling what you might do with the advanced notice... so... maybe... I'll call... maybe.
Your adoring wife! Love you! Bye!
Shawn sat with a look of disconcertion on his face. With his cheek resting in his hand, two fingers along his temple, his thumb beneath his chin, he stared at the email and then heard his mother chuckle over his shoulder. "I'm sorry son, I shouldn't be reading her emails to you like that. But... isn't she just adorable? I just love her... you go get that list done girl!" Gert cheered her on. Shawn glanced sideways up at his mother. "Oh son... come on... at least she's emailing you. At least you're not wondering if she's okay. Its not that bad is it? Besides, I think I really like the name Ian."
"Jesse - James... and I'm telling you now - she's asking for it! And I will be giving it to her!"
"Sounds like she's 'bout ready for it too son!" Gert guffawed walking away. Shawn sat up straight with his mouth open stunned at his mother's dirty innuendo. "Mother! Shame on you!"
"Oh give it a rest! How you think you got here?! You think your dad and I still don't get it on?!"
"MOM - I DON'T WANNA HEAR IT!" He shouted, making her laugh even harder and she started singing Marvin Gayes old hit, "Let's get it on... aaaah baby... let's get it on."
Chapter 88
Tuesday in Wisconsin...
"Why are you there so early in the morning? I called your mobile number all evening and couldn't reach you. I finally had to track this number down from Kathy Ann. Why haven't you been by the house?!" Doris asked on the phone as Jake took a break. Last evening Crystal and Mundo had come to see about him and what he might need them to do to help. He had them pack up all of the kitchen and take it across the road. Everything! Food from the cabinets, pots, pans, dishes, glasses, silverware, wall decorations, appliances and other bits and pieces in there carrying them across the road to the kitchen there. Then Mundo helped him disconnect the cabinets from the wall, carrying them out into the garage as well the stove and the refrigerator, after Crystal emptied it. Mundo was back Tuesday morning helping carry out all the stuff he stripped away from the walls down to the tiles on the floor. Crystal's sons were in the back yard playing as he stood watching them from the k
itchen window. She was off to school and Mundo was supposed to be baby sitting them. Distracted Jake had to bring himself back to what Doris was asking him.
"Doris is your memory slipping? Did I not say to you, that I was helping my brother get his stuff done on this house?"
"Helping Jake... you said helping! Seems like to me you're doing it! Are you even going home?"
"No... I've been staying here, working late on it, and then up first thing in the morning. I want this kitchen stripped bare, and then I can start on the addition that will be connected to it. Making the door bigger and changing the layout, I wanna get it done. I won't be finished when Shawn gets back here, but at least the foundation and frame work will be up."
"Umm, excuse me... I know you wanna help out... but isn't that for Shawn to do? You have your own life and things to do. For one thing, I haven't seen you since Saturday! It is now Tuesday. When are you going to break away from that?!"
"Doris... I took off of work to help get this done! What does that tell you?"
"Well I'm gonna come by there."
"For what?! Don't come by here... I don't have time for visitors!" He snapped. Peaking at the boys again, he saw Mundo out there with them and sighed in relief, turning from the window.
"What's nibbling up your ass? I just wanna come by and see what you're doing. Spend a little time with you... good grief!"
"Don't you have to work today or something?"
"I called in."
"Good for you."
"What are you up to Jake?"
"What? What do you mean?"
"I mean... what are you up to? Something's going on, and I wanna know what it is!"
"I'm not up to anything! I'm working on my brother's house!"
"Why don't you want me to come there then?"
"Because I'm busy! I'm working!"
"You're not at work! You're just at that house... helping... as you call it - him do some things, why don't you want me there?"
"You're getting a bit possessive aren't you? You're not my wife!"
"Yeah but I've been like your wife for six fucking years Jake! I've put up with your shit! I've walked away from a good life to be with you! You're not gonna fuck me over! I can tell you that now!"
"If your life was so fucking good, why'd you walk away from it? You had a goddamn husband, but you let me get in there ... why?! You wanna know why I went for it, to screw him - by screwing you! Had he ever told you that? Hm... or have you been pretending not to know?!"
"If that's true, if that's all you wanted me for, why'd you stick with me for so long?"
"When I figure that out, I'll let you know."
"What, did you meet someone else? Is that what this is all about? Is that why you're being so mean... please Jake... come on. Okay I'll tell you what... you go ahead and do what you need to do there. Then come by my house later... okay? I'll fix a really nice supper for you."
Jake stood quiet a moment thinking. He didn't know what was coming over him. For some weird reason, he was lashing out at Doris, who had been the one sure thing he could depend on. No, he wasn't in love with her, but they'd been together for quite some time if six years was anything to go by. He knew that he was acting crazy. He took a deep breath and gave in. "All right... I'll be by there later." He could hear the sigh from her over the phone.
"Okay... I'll fix you something really special. Anything in particular you wanna eat?"
"No... whatever you fix is fine."
"Okay... I'll see you later then... about six?"
"Yeah... six is fine."
"Okay... I'll see you then."
Jake clicked the phone off and turned to look out the kitchen window again, the kids were no longer in the back yard. He heard them in the basement, Isaac's voice, and then the babies voice...and next, Mundo laughing at something they said. He could hear him putzing around in the kitchen, probably about to fix them something to eat. Jake checked his watch, it was almost eleven o'clock. He was starving. Mundo called him from the basement just then.
"HEY JAKE... WANT SOMETHING TO EAT MAN?!!"
He walked to the basement door and looked down to see Mundo looking up at him, to see Darren run up to Mundo's leg , glaring at him laughing and ran off. Jake chuckled. "What you fixing?"
"I'm fixing them a peanut butter and jelly sandwich-..." Mundo was cut off by Darren running to his leg again and yelling up at Jake, with his fist balled up, "Fissin' pe'but budda - jelly'sammich! I hun'ry... fiss'it NOW!!" He yelled out and hit Mundo's leg, who looked down at him as if he'd lost his mind. Then up at Jake, who was chuckling at the sight of it. "See what I go through... is his ass crazy o' what?! Hang on man... I'mo fix it for you!"
"Fiss'it NO-O-OW! I HUN'RY!!"
"Mundo feed him, and I'll order us a pizza - hell two... I'm as hungry as he is." Jake called down and quickly did so while Mundo got the boys fed. When Jake walked down to the basement, it was to see the boys sitting at the small table, both of them with peanut butter and jelly sandwich's, a banana pealed for each of them, cut up into little circles and a pudding cup waiting for them. Darren wanted his now.
"When you get done with that sandwich and the banana's, you'll get your pudding cup." Mundo told him. He wasn't listening, his little hand was held out for the pudding cup. "Put yo'hand down man, gotta eat all that first!" Mundo repeated.
"Darren eat your udder food first! Then you get your puddin' cup... like me... see... I eat all mine, so now I get my cup. Right Uncle Mundo?"
"Yep... here's your spoon, and your pudding." He passed it to him.
"NOOOOOOO - MIIIIIINE!" Darren screamed reaching from his chair to grab it from Isaac.
"Boy! This one yours! You got to eat first!"
"Noooooo!" He went on.
Jake watched Mundo deal with them patiently. As he watched them, something occurred to him, he'd never fed his sons. Not once. Not once in all of their lives had he prepared them anything to eat and then patiently fed it to them. Mundo was there uncle, yet he was doing something that Jake had never taken the time to do. His sons had always been taken care of by his mother, Shanna before she married and left home, or Kathy Ann. He'd never really been left alone with them other than when he went to get them and brought them back to his moms. That wasn't often, because most of the time, their mothers brought them.
Suddenly Darren stopped arguing and got a highly concentrative look on his face, turning red, leaning to the side.
"Aaah shit! Is you takin' a shit man? Ah man... yo' ass need to be potty trained... now I gotta change your shitty ass diaper!" Mundo complained as Darren turned redder, straining to squeeze it out.
"Man look at his ass. Only a baby can get away with that shit! Just sit at the table and start shittin' yo' pants! Boy how come you didn't say boo-boo or ca-ca or somethin' goddamnit!"
"It's gone stink too Uncle Mundo... peeeuw! You should change him in there... the bat'room - I don't like to smell that." Isaac stated, then looked down at his chocolate pudding and sat it down on the table. "I don't think I want that no more."
Jake started laughing and couldn't stop, he was left wiping the tears from his eyes as he realized that he'd missed all the funny moments of his own three sons. Nor had he ever changed one of them... not once. Mundo lifted Darren up and walked to the bathroom to change him. Isaac sat making faces at his chocolate pudding, some of it on his lips, around his mouth. "Next time, I think I'mo have vo-nilla puddin'." He said to Jake.
"I think that's a good idea." Jake returned.
"Can you wipe my mush...got puddin' on it." Isaac said lifting his face up and pushing his mouth out for Jake to wipe it. Jake stood not sure of what to do. "Ummm, okay... let's see, napkin... we need a napkin right?" He asked looking around for one.
"Over there... by'da sink - wipes - pull one out... wipe my mush." Isaac instructed, still holding his lips up and out.
Jake went to the wipes dispenser, opened it, saw the little clothe tip, and gave it a pull. Then closed it back. Walking to Isaac, he
knelt and gently stroked at his mouth, cleaning the chocolate away. Suddenly his chest tightened up on him. It was the first time he'd ever wiped a child's face...ever. He had three sons, he was going on forty and not one memory of taking part in their up bringing. He finished cleaning Isaac's face and looked around for a place to throw the cloth.
"Open that little door... right there, grandma keep the garbage thing there." Isaac directed again.
Jake opened it and threw it away.
A moment later, Mundo came out with a fresher Darren who was grinning and demanding his pudding. Jake sat at the table just watching them. The pizzas came and he passed the money to Mundo to run up and pay and bring them down. Jake must have sat in that one spot, eating his pizza watching the kids and the way Mundo was with them, observing how Mundo ate pizza and shared much of it with them. Jake smiled to see that Darren and Isaac ate two whole slices and enjoyed it. He didn't know that little kids like that could eat pizza. As he sat, he thought about Derrick, with his children. He thought about Shawn, with Angela and how excited he was about the one on the way. He thought about Dennis, how he was with his sons in Sheila's absence. He was trying to figure out why all of these things were on his mind suddenly. He had three sons, that in all honesty, he barely knew, and they barely knew him. He'd been nothing more to them than the one who paid their mother's child support. His mother or sisters had gotten all of their birthday presents. Had purchased all of their Christmas presents. He'd only provided the money... they did the rest. They had his name, they knew that he fathered them - but that was it.
He had been quietly watching for so long that Mundo looked over at him and asked, "Hey Jake... you alright man?"
"Yeah... I'm okay. Put the rest of this in the refrigerator... Crystal may want some when she gets home from school." He said standing, there was plenty left. "I better get back to work."
BOMAW 4-6 Page 21
